HYDROCHLORIC ACID VS SULPHURIC ACID ��? AN ECONOMICAL DESTAINING REAGENT FOR ZIEHL NEELSEN STAINING TO DETECT ACID FAST BACILLI IN SPUTUM SMEARS

Author(s): Jaya Chandra T, R Selvaraj and YV Sharma

Abstract

Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) staining is one of the simplest, rapid diagnostic tests to detect Acid fast bacilli in sputum smears. To compare 25% Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and 6% Hydrochloric acid (HCl) in alcohol to differentiates acid fast bacilli in sputum smears. Department of Microbiology, GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry. A total of 187 sputum samples were stained by ZN acid and ZN acid alcohol method. Smear positivity was 31.6% for both the methods. HCl 6% in alcohol is recommended over 25% H2SO4 due to less cost, easy to dilution.

Share this article

International Journal of Bioassays is a member of the Publishers International Linking Association, Inc. (PILA), CROSSREF and CROSSMARK (USA). Digital Object Identifier (DOI) will be assigned to all its published content.