What is the main laboratory method used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the main laboratory method used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Gram stain
Acid-fast bacilli stain
Culture on blood agar
PCR
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the main laboratory method used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Step 1: Understand that Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB).
Step 2: Learn that this bacteria has a special cell wall that makes it resistant to certain stains.
Step 3: Know that the acid-fast bacilli stain is a specific method used to identify bacteria with this type of cell wall.
Step 4: Realize that when the acid-fast stain is applied, Mycobacterium tuberculosis will retain the color of the stain, making it visible under a microscope.
Step 5: Conclude that the acid-fast bacilli stain is the main laboratory method used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
