- Test Overview: The Ziehl-Neelsen Stain, commonly referred to as ZN Stain, is a specialized staining technique used to identify acid-fast bacilli (AFB), primarily Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), in clinical specimens.
- Purpose: This staining method is essential for diagnosing tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. It differentiates AFB from other bacteria based on their unique cell wall structure, which retains the primary stain even after decolorization.
- Procedure: The procedure involves applying a primary stain, usually carbol fuchsin, to a heat-fixed smear of the specimen. After staining, the slide is decolorized with acid-alcohol, followed by counterstaining with methylene blue. Acid-fast organisms retain the red color of carbol fuchsin, while non-acid-fast bacteria take on the blue color.
- Interpretation of Results: Under a microscope, acid-fast bacilli appear as bright red rods against a blue background. The presence and quantity of AFB can help assess the severity of TB infection and guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
- Clinical Significance: The Ziehl-Neelsen Stain is a critical tool in clinical microbiology for the rapid diagnosis of TB, especially in cases where sputum smears or other samples are examined. It is widely used in resource-limited settings and helps facilitate timely intervention in infectious diseases.
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