Clinical specimens suspected of containing Mycobacterium are digested with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 30 minutes prior to staining. Why is this technique used? Why isn't this technique used for staining other bacteria?
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Anonymous
ANSWERS: 3
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Guessing here...Mycobacteria come from environments that are already somewhat acidic, so Mycobacteria have evolved methids to stay pathogenic regardless. However, they are susceptible to decontamination via basic conditions (NaOH). This is really a preparation method so it can be dealt with safely while staining. The NaOH is not a stain or part of the staining method per se.
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They are acid-fast.
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What stupid answers! NaOH digestion breaks down the mucus in sputum kills many of the other bacteria but mycobacterium is not killed by exposure - that's why it's used and it is NOT a syain.
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