Testing Principle
Acid-fast bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae are difficult to stain because of their lipoid capsule in the cell wall. However, once the lipoid capsule is stained with an enhanced dye such as carbolfuchsin, the newly formed compound will resist decolorization from acid-alcohol and retain the original color stained (red), which can be easily differentiated from other microorganisms that still adsorb the counter blue stain. Because of Nocardia and other weak acid-fast bacteria their acid resistance is weak, the decolorizing force of the decolorization solution can not too strong, it can only decolorate with low concentration of hydrochloric acid or dilute sulfuric acid, otherwise the red is easily removed. This product uses low concentration of sulfuric acid as a decolorization solution.
Stain Results
In light blue background, the weak acid-fast bacteria (e.g.: Nocardia) are red, and other bacteria and cells are blue.
Packaging Specification
Product Name
| Ref # | Specification |
Weak Acid Fast Stain
| BA4213 | 4x100ml |