Microbiology Lab | Acid Fast Staining

The video tutorial explains the acid fast staining procedure, which is used to identify acid fast organisms like Mycobacterium and Nocardia. These bacteria have a lipid-rich cell wall that makes them resistant to gram stains. The tutorial covers the staining process, including heat fixation, carbol fusion application, decolorization, and counterstaining with methylene blue. Key diseases caused by acid fast organisms, such as tuberculosis and leprosy, are also discussed. The critical step in the procedure is heating, which allows the stain to penetrate the cell wall.

Outline the steps involved in the acid fast staining procedure.

What role does heat play in the acid fast staining process?

What are the two major diseases caused by acid fast organisms?