In clinical diagnostics, SDA is used to culture specimens from patients suspected of having fungal infections. Common specimens include skin scrapings, nail clippings, hair, blood, and respiratory secretions. After inoculation, the plates are incubated at appropriate temperatures, usually between 25°C and 30°C, and observed for fungal growth. The morphology of the colonies, along with other biochemical tests, helps in the identification of the fungal species.
