Rapid Modified Auramine O Stain Set

This economical and rapid two step staining technique for acid fast organisms takes only 2 minutes to perform. Easier to perform than traditional methods because the permanganate step is omitted. A new counterstain quenches fluorescence of all non-acid fast organisms and debris. Gives a cleaner field of view. It saves time and money. It is just as sensitive as other Auramine Stains. The set comes in two 250ml bottles or economical gallon size.

345	Rapid Modified Auramine O Stain Set (stain & decolorizer/quencher, 250ml ea)
345-01	Rapid Modified Auramine Stain Set (stain & decolorizer/quencher, 1gal. each)

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presented at the American Society of Microbiology 106th National Meeting, May 26, 2006

Poster C-324:
Evaluation of Four Commercially Available Auramine O Stain Sets

Schlacks, M.1, Coppernoll, S. 2, DeBoo,A. 1, Schmidt, A. 1, Bartnicki, L. 1, Schreckenberger, P. 1 and Lipton, S. 2 , 1Loyola Medical Center, Maywood, IL; 2Scientific Device Laboratory, Des Plaines, IL

Background: With a dramatic increase of incidence of Mycobacterial disease, it is more important than ever to find rapid methods for identification of the organism. The current fluorescent techniques to identify acid fast organisms in smears take from 20-30 minutes to perform. The purpose of this study was to compare the qualitative intensity of fluorescence and quantitative time of staining of three commercially available Auramine O stain sets with that of a recently introduced rapid method which takes 2 minutes to perform. The four stains used were TB Auramine O Kit (Remel), TB Fluorescent Stain Kit Auramine M (BD), Auramine O Stain Kit (MCC) and the new Rapid Modified Auramine O (Scientific Device Laboratory). Methods: Four sets of smears were prepared from 185 patient specimens. Each was stained using the four fluorescent techniques outlined in the technical insert provided by each company. The first three commonly used stain sets use a three-step procedure utilizing stain, decolorizer and permanganate. The new Rapid Modified Auramine O procedure differed by utilizing a two-step procedure in which the decolorizer and quenching agent were combined together. The entire smear area of 20mm was scanned by an experienced technologist under low power for any fluorescence. If fluorescence was seen, the objective was switched to oil for organism confirmation. Relative intensity of fluorescence was measured on a scale of 1-4 on all positive smears. Results: A total of 13 (7%) patient smears were positive using all four stains. The staining intensity was equal for all techniques used. One (0.5%) specimen was positive with MCC stain and SDL Stain only. There was one additional smear that was weakly positive only with the SDL stain. In both these latter cases the clinical diagnosis corresponded with the positive smears. When the cost was compared from the list price of each of the stain sets, the Rapid Modified Auramine O (SDL) was less expensive than the others, especially when considering the technologist staining time. The fluorescent intensity on positive specimens was equivalent. Conclusion: All stain sets tested gave equivalent results. The Rapid Modified Auramine O was less expensive and could be performed in 1/5 of the time required for conventional Auramine staining.