Auramine phenol stain
Stain used to identify tuberculosis mycobacteria
Auramine phenol stain is a stain used in clinical microbiology and histology to identify tuberculosis mycobacteria.
There are two types of auramine phenol stains, 1 and 2 to stain mycobacterium species and cryptosporidium respectively. Both are fluorescent stains. The bacteria or the parasites appear brilliant greenish yellow against dark background.[1] Mycolic acids of the mycobacteria keep this stain when decolorising with the acid alcohol. The method is more rapid and sensitive than ZN technique.[2]
Method
- Smears are prepared just like that for ZN staining
- Stain with Auramine-Phenol for 20 mins
- Rinse with water
- Decolourise in acid alcohol
- Rinse with water
- Counterstain with 0.1% potassium permanganate for 30 seconds
- Rinse and air dry[3]
References
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