Nail Sample (self-collect at home)
Results within 4 days of receipt
Test for over 57,000 potential pathogens
FSA/HSA Accepted
Uncover the Source of Nail Trouble with High Precision
Nail health is more than just aesthetics – it’s a vital aspect of your overall well-being. When your nails show signs of trouble, such as discoloration, thickening, or brittleness, it can be a sign of an underlying nail infection. NailKEY by MicroGenDX produces the answers you need to reveal the source of the infection, removing any mystery – with rapid precision.
Purpose-built with qPCR + NGS, NailKEY identifies the specific fungal or bacterial pathogens likely responsible for your infection, providing you and your provider with clinical clarity and actionable insights.
Nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, can be challenging to treat, especially without knowing the exact cause. NailKEY unites two leading molecular testing technologies—Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Next-Gen DNA Sequencing (NGS)—to help you identify that cause:
Onychomycosis is a common condition characterized by the presence of fungi in the nail bed, leading to discoloration, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. The most common pathogens responsible for onychomycosis are dermatophytes, but other types of fungi such as yeasts and non-dermatophyte molds can also be involved.
Symptoms:
Causes and Risks:
Onychomycosis is often caused by exposure to warm, moist environments where fungi thrive, such as swimming pools or communal showers. It can also be associated with nail trauma or underlying conditions such as diabetes. Risk factors include aging, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system.
Diagnosis and Treatment: NailKEY provides a comprehensive analysis of the fungal pathogens present and likely involved in onychomycosis, as well as any AMR genes present. This allows your healthcare provider to choose the most effective antifungal treatment and monitor your progress over time. Paronychia (Bacterial Nail Infection)
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, typically caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It can result from minor trauma to the nail area, such as a hangnail or cuticle damage, and is more common in individuals who frequently immerse their hands in water.
Symptoms:
Causes and Risks: Paronychia is usually caused by bacteria entering the skin through small cuts or abrasions around the nail. Chronic paronychia can also occur in individuals who are frequently exposed to water or irritants, leading to a breakdown of the protective barrier around the nail.
Diagnosis and Treatment: NailKEY can identify the bacterial pathogens likely causing paronychia, as well as any resistance to antibiotics. This enables your healthcare provider to prescribe the most effective treatment and prevent complications such as abscess formation or the spread of infection.
Candidal Onychomycosis (Yeast Nail Infection) Candidal onychomycosis is a type of nail infection caused by Candida species, a type of yeast. This infection is more common in individuals with compromised immune systems or those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes.
Symptoms:
Causes and Risks: Candidal onychomycosis can occur after prolonged exposure to moisture, particularly in individuals who wear tight or non-breathable footwear. It can also result from a weakened immune system or the use of immunosuppressive medications.
Diagnosis and Treatment: NailKEY’s testing can detect Candida species in the nail and identify any antifungal resistance. This information is crucial for tailoring treatment to effectively combat the infection and prevent recurrence. If Candida is especially concerning, consider clicking to learn more about our Candida Auris or Candida Panel Products.
With two decades of experience in clinical molecular diagnostics, MicroGenDX is a name you can trust. Our laboratory's expertise is backed by over 70 peer-reviewed studies, demonstrating that MicroGenDX strives to set the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
NailKEY utilizes the premier NGS and qPCR technologies, trusted by healthcare providers around the world. These advanced methods produce an in-depth, reliable, and clear look into the microbial landscape of your nail — to renew your confidence in its’ health.
At MicroGenDX, we consider the comfort and convenience at all stages of our patient experience. From the ease of at-home sample collection to delivering results via our online portal, each aspect of the MicroGenDX Experience is designed to make testing simple and stress-free. Our friendly and expert customer support team is here to guide you every step of the way, from ordering your test to understanding your results.
MicroGenDX prices its products affordably to reflect their value and ensure high-quality testing is accessible to everyone. We believe comprehensive, reliable diagnostics should be within reach for all who seek better health.
Take the first step towards healthier nails with MicroGenDX.
Whether you’re dealing with an existing condition or wanting to check up on your nails, NailKEY provides the detailed insight you need to look after them.
Don’t let an infected nail compromise your comfort and confidence.
Order a test kit today and enjoy restored, healthier, happier nails!
Sample should be shipped out to the lab within 24 hours of collection. If you are unable to ship out the sample within 24 hours, be sure to place in a refrigerator.
Samples that have not been submitted, cannot be refunded after 90 days.
New York orders for this product will only run qPCR for gene resistance (excluding Quinolone resistance) and bacterial load; followed by NGS, which compares the DNA to a library of over 57,000 microbial species.
Samples originating from New York patients, or providers, will NOT receive antibiotic recommendations.
We DO NOT offer refunds on shipping fees or lab services.
MicroGenDX cannot ship to Russia, China (except Hong Kong), Ukraine, Hungary, India, or any country in Africa.
For International Orders ONLY: The shipping cost will only cover the cost of shipping the test kit to you.
We are unable to provide return shipping to international customers and the customer is responsible for shipping the test kit back to our Laboratory Facility in Lubbock, Texas.
Please make sure to use the following address for your return shipment:
6901 Quaker Ave, Suite 200 Lubbock TX 79413 ATTN: MicroGenDX Receiving.
Please contact kits@microgendx.com with any questions.
NailKEY uses advanced NGS and qPCR technology to detect a wide range of fungal and bacterial pathogens with greater accuracy and sensitivity than traditional culture-based tests. This ensures that even rare or difficult-to-detect microbes are identified. Culture testing only grows 2% of bacteria, so it cannot identify as wide a variety of microbes as NGS can.
Yes, NailKEY is ideal for follow-up testing to confirm the success of your treatment. Regular testing can help ensure that all pathogens have been effectively managed and monitor for any recurrence.
Yes, NailKEY can detect asymptomatic infections, making it a valuable tool for proactive health monitoring or for early detection of potential nail infections.
Your results will be presented in a comprehensive report outlining the specific pathogens detected. It is recommended to review your results with your healthcare provider to understand any risks and determine the best course of action.
