BD 212521 - TB Fluorescent Stain Kit (Auramine O) High-Sensitivity Fluorochrome Staining for Mycobacterium Detection
The BD 212521 TB Fluorescent Stain Kit (Auramine O) is a high-performance staining system designed for the rapid and sensitive detection of acid-fast bacilli (AFB), including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria, in clinical specimens. The kit employs the fluorochrome Auramine O, which binds specifically to mycolic acids in the bacterial cell wall, producing a bright yellow-green fluorescence under ultraviolet illumination. This fluorescent method offers higher sensitivity and faster screening than conventional Ziehl-Neelsen staining, making it ideal for laboratories engaged in tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and surveillance.
Key Benefits
The BD 212521 TB Fluorescent Stain Kit provides several significant advantages over traditional acid-fast staining methods:
- Enhanced sensitivity: Detects even low concentrations of Mycobacterium in smears, improving diagnostic accuracy.
- Time efficiency: Allows rapid scanning of slides under lower magnification due to bright fluorescent contrast.
- Consistency and reliability: Standardized formulation ensures uniform staining and reproducible fluorescence results.
- Reduced eye strain: Fluorescence microscopy enables easier detection and faster analysis, particularly in high-volume testing settings.
These features make the BD TB Fluorescent Stain Kit a preferred choice in clinical and reference laboratories worldwide for mycobacterial diagnostics.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 212521 TB Fluorescent Stain Kit is compatible with standard fluorescent microscopes equipped with ultraviolet (UV) or blue-light excitation filters. It can be used on direct smears prepared from sputum, body fluids, or cultures grown on solid or liquid media such as Lowenstein-Jensen or MGIT systems. The kit is suitable for use in:
- Clinical microbiology and tuberculosis reference laboratories
- Public health and epidemiological surveillance programs
- Research institutions studying mycobacterial morphology or cell wall structure
Usage Guidelines
Prepare smears on clean glass slides, heat-fix, and flood with Auramine O stain for the specified time (typically 1520 minutes). Rinse gently, decolorize using acid-alcohol, and counterstain with potassium permanganate or another recommended reagent. Examine stained smears under a fluorescence microscope at 200x or 400x magnification using an appropriate filter set. Acid-fast organisms will appear as bright yellow-green rods against a dark background. Store reagents at 28C and protect from light to maintain dye stability and fluorescence intensity.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD 212521 TB Fluorescent Stain Kit (Auramine O) is manufactured under ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified quality systems and complies with FDA and CE regulatory requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use. Each lot is validated for staining performance, sensitivity, and specificity using positive and negative control slides. BDs production process ensures consistent reagent quality and long shelf life for dependable results in TB diagnostic workflows.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to other fluorescent staining kits, the BD 212521 Auramine O Kit provides superior clarity, brightness, and reproducibility. Many competitor products require longer staining times or produce uneven fluorescence. BDs optimized formulation ensures stable dye concentration, minimal background fluorescence, and consistent performance across multiple specimens. Its long-lasting reagents maintain staining quality over time, reducing the need for frequent reagent replacement and improving workflow efficiency.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
The BD 212521 TB Fluorescent Stain Kit is intended for use by trained laboratory technologists, microbiologists, and clinicians in diagnostic and research settings. Typical users include:
- TB diagnostic laboratories performing smear microscopy for initial screening.
- Hospitals and public health facilities conducting routine mycobacterial detection.
- Research labs investigating mycobacterial morphology and resistance mechanisms.
It is particularly effective in high-volume screening programs or low-resource settings where rapid, sensitive TB detection is critical.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Handle all reagents under proper laboratory conditions and avoid exposure to bright light to preserve fluorescent properties. Use positive and negative control slides daily to verify staining quality. Clean microscope filters regularly and use slides within 24 hours of staining for optimal fluorescence visibility. Always work under a biosafety cabinet when handling potentially infectious TB specimens. Dispose of used slides and reagents according to institutional biosafety protocols.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 212521 TB Fluorescent Stain Kit is intended for in vitro diagnostic use by qualified professionals. The Auramine O dye is a potential irritant and should be handled with care. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coats, and eye protection. Avoid skin or mucosal contact, and do not inhale vapors. Dispose of waste materials as hazardous chemical and biohazard waste in accordance with institutional and environmental regulations.
How to Order
To order the BD 212521 TB Fluorescent Stain Kit (Auramine O), add the product to your cart and complete your purchase securely through CIA Medicals online ordering system. For bulk purchases, institutional pricing, or product documentation, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our technical team can assist with product specifications, availability, and support for your TB diagnostic workflow.
