2.4: Exercise #9 - Differential Staining- Acid-Fast Stain

OER - BIOL 2420 Laboratory Manual · LibreTexts

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    Exercise Outcomes:

    Course Laboratory Learning Outcomes

    THECB - ACGM Lab Learning Outcome #1 Use and comply with laboratory safety rules, procedures, and universal precautions

    THECB - ACGM Lab Learning Outcome #2 Demonstrate proficient use of a compound light microscope.

    THECB - ACGM Lab Learning Outcome #3 Describe and prepare widely used stains and wet mounts and discuss their significance in identification of microorganisms.

    THECB - ACGM Lab Learning Outcome #4 Perform basic microbiology procedures using aseptic techniques for transfer, isolation, and observation of commonly encountered, clinically significant bacteria.

    Laboratory Exercise Learning Outcomes
    1. Explain the purpose of the acid-fast stain and what information can be obtained.
    2. Explain what mycolic acids are, their relation to the acid-fast stain, and their role regarding bacterial structure and function.
    3. Explain when and why the acid-fast stain is performed.
    4. Describe the importance of the acid-fast stain procedure in disease detection and diagnosis.
    5. List at least two bacterial species known to be acid-fast.
    6. Describe the steps performed during an acid-fast stain.
    7. Distinguish between acid-fast and non-acid-fast cells.
    8. Perform the acid-fast stain and interpret the reactions for bacteria in the lab.

    Materials Needed:

    • Bunsen burner
    • Microscope slides (one for each bacterial sample)
    • Staining tray (Containing stains (carbolfuchsin, methylene blue), decolorizer (acid-alcohol), stain rack, and DI water)
    • China marker
    • Lens cleaner
    • Lens paper
    • Kim wipes
    • Broth cultures of bacteria
    • Test tube rack
    • Inoculating loop
    • Microscope

    In this laboratory exercise, you will be performing the second of two types of differential stains, the acid-fast stain.

    This page titled 2.4: Exercise #9 - Differential Staining- Acid-Fast Stain was last modified on Sat, 25 Jul 2026 03:42:51 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Sherry Smith.