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Multiple Choice
Which of the following dyes is used first in an acid-fast stain?
A
Carbol fuchsin
B
Safranin
C
Methylene blue
D
Crystal violet
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of an acid-fast stain: It is a differential staining technique used to identify acid-fast organisms, such as Mycobacterium species, which have waxy cell walls that are not easily penetrated by standard stains.
Identify the primary stain used in the acid-fast staining process: The primary stain is the dye that initially colors the cells. In the acid-fast stain, this is crucial for penetrating the waxy cell wall.
Recognize the role of Carbol fuchsin: Carbol fuchsin is a phenolic compound that is lipid-soluble, allowing it to penetrate the waxy cell walls of acid-fast bacteria, making it the primary stain in this process.
Consider the other dyes listed: Safranin, Methylene blue, and Crystal violet are not used as the primary stain in the acid-fast staining technique. They serve different purposes in other staining methods.
Conclude that Carbol fuchsin is the dye used first in an acid-fast stain, as it is specifically designed to penetrate and stain the waxy cell walls of acid-fast bacteria.