To create a nail sample, how much "nail" do i need here? i have been asked to give a nail sample and don't know much "nail" i am supposed to give. it is for some fungus growing on the nail. is it just literally a few small pieces and shavings of the nail?

Typically : Typically when I am taking a nail clipping to send to the lab for examination, i remove as much as i can without hurting the patient. For example, i try to get a good thick sample from the edge of nail back to where the nail is more attached (i.E kind of like a good nail clipping when one is cutting back typical nail growth). The key is to get a sample that has the debris that is under the nail since the fungal elements will be found in this part of the clipping. However, i would recommend that the physician perform this with the proper instrumentation since thick nails are very difficult to cut safely with ordinary nail clippers.

Not a large amount : You will need to submit a piece of involved nail for pathologic evaluation and for culture evaluation.

Just some clippings: Not much is needed as long as get a average-size piece of nail clipping involving the affected portion of the nail--which is typically the tip/edge (see picture here). So, just use your regular nail clipper and clip it away and donate those pieces. Good luck.