Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of acid-fast staining?
What is the primary purpose of acid-fast staining?
Which of the following reagents is NOT used in acid-fast staining?
Which of the following reagents is NOT used in acid-fast staining?
What color will acid-fast bacilli appear after the staining procedure?
What color will acid-fast bacilli appear after the staining procedure?
During the decolorization process, what color should the slide remain after acid-alcohol application?
During the decolorization process, what color should the slide remain after acid-alcohol application?
Signup and view all the answers
What step follows the addition of acid-alcohol in the acid-fast staining procedure?
What step follows the addition of acid-alcohol in the acid-fast staining procedure?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it necessary to heat the slide during the staining process?
Why is it necessary to heat the slide during the staining process?
Signup and view all the answers
What method is recommended to avoid boiling when heating the slide?
What method is recommended to avoid boiling when heating the slide?
Signup and view all the answers
How long should the alkaline methylene blue counterstain be applied?
How long should the alkaline methylene blue counterstain be applied?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of using a piece of paper toweling during the staining process?
What is the purpose of using a piece of paper toweling during the staining process?
Signup and view all the answers
At what stage of the acid-fast staining process is the slide rinsed with water for the first time?
At what stage of the acid-fast staining process is the slide rinsed with water for the first time?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Acid-Fast Staining
- Acid-fast staining differentiates acid-fast microorganisms (e.g., Mycobacteria) and some other bacteria (e.g., Nocardai)
- Also known as Ziehl-Neelsen staining
- Uses carbolfuchsin, acid-alcohol, and methylene blue as reagents
- Acid-fast bacilli appear bright red after staining
Procedure
- Smear Preparation: Prepare a smear of the microorganisms and heat-fix it
- Carbolfuchsin Application: Cover the smear with Ziehl's carbolfuchsin, heat for 3-5 minutes (avoid drying or boiling). A staining rack or loop held above boiling water works
- Washing: Rinse with water for 30 seconds
- Decolorization: Carefully add acid-alcohol dropwise until the slide is slightly pink (10-30 seconds)
- More Washing: Rinse with water for 5 seconds
- Counterstaining: Stain with alkaline methylene blue for 2 minutes
- Final Rinse: Rinse with water for 30 seconds
- Drying & Observation: Blot dry and examine under oil immersion
- Results: Acid-fast organisms stain red; other organisms stain blue or brown
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz covers the essential techniques and procedures involved in acid-fast staining, also known as Ziehl-Neelsen staining. You will learn about the reagents used, the steps for smear preparation, decolorization, and the final observation of acid-fast microorganisms. Test your knowledge on staining procedures and microbiology principles.
