BD 231391 - BACTEC AFB Slide, Prepared Microscope Slide for Acid-Fast Bacilli Staining, 50/BX
The BD 231391 - BD BACTROL AFB Slide is a high-quality, ready-to-use control slide designed for verifying the accuracy and performance of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining procedures in clinical and research laboratories. Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD), this slide contains a fixed and prepared smear with acid-fast bacilli organisms, serving as a positive control for quality assurance in Ziehl-Neelsen, Kinyoun, or auramine-rhodamine staining methods. It helps laboratory personnel confirm staining efficacy, reagent quality, and microscopy performance in tuberculosis (TB) and mycobacterial testing workflows.
Each BD BACTROL AFB Slide is precisely manufactured under controlled conditions to ensure consistency, reliability, and safety. The slides are noninfectious and inactivated, making them safe for routine laboratory quality control without the risk of handling live pathogens.
Key Benefits
The BD BACTROL AFB Slide provides a standardized reference for verifying staining performance and ensuring accurate AFB detection. Key advantages include:
- Reliable positive control: Contains fixed acid-fast bacilli for consistent and repeatable QC testing.
- Enhanced laboratory accuracy: Confirms the quality of staining reagents and technician technique.
- Safe and ready-to-use: Noninfectious and pre-prepared, eliminating the need for live culture handling.
- Universal compatibility: Works with Ziehl-Neelsen, Kinyoun, and fluorescent AFB staining protocols.
- Regulatory compliance: Supports CAP, CLIA, and other quality control requirements for microbiology laboratories.
Compatibility and Applications
The BD 231391 BACTROL AFB Slide is compatible with a variety of acid-fast staining reagents and techniques. It is suitable for use in:
- Clinical microbiology laboratories performing tuberculosis testing.
- Public health laboratories conducting AFB surveillance and proficiency testing.
- Research and teaching laboratories demonstrating mycobacterial staining.
- Quality assurance programs verifying AFB staining reagent performance.
The slides are ideal for use with BDs own staining reagents or other commercially available AFB staining kits.
Usage Guidelines
Use the BD BACTROL AFB Slide as a control when performing AFB staining procedures. Handle slides carefully to avoid contamination or damage. Stain one BD AFB slide alongside each batch of patient samples using your routine acid-fast staining method (e.g., Ziehl-Neelsen or Kinyoun). Examine under oil immersion (bright field) or fluorescent microscopy, depending on the staining technique. The presence of bright red (Ziehl-Neelsen) or yellow-green (fluorescent) bacilli confirms appropriate staining performance. Store slides in a cool, dry location when not in use.
Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals
The BD BACTROL AFB Slide complies with FDA and CE regulations for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) control materials. It is manufactured under ISO 13485:2016-certified quality systems ensuring consistent production and performance. Each lot undergoes strict validation testing to verify cell morphology, staining response, and microbial integrity. The slides are noninfectious and classified as nonhazardous for shipping and handling under international transport guidelines.
Comparison with Competitor Products
Compared to other AFB control slides on the market, BD BACTROL AFB Slides offer superior consistency, safety, and reliability. While competitor products may use variable smear densities or less stable fixation methods, BD ensures uniform smear quality and long-term stability. The slides are individually packaged for protection and extended shelf life, reducing the risk of degradation or contamination. BDs global reputation in microbiological quality control makes this product a trusted standard in clinical laboratories worldwide.
Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios
This product is used by microbiologists, laboratory technologists, and quality assurance professionals in clinical and research environments. Typical scenarios include:
- Routine tuberculosis diagnostic testing as a positive control for AFB staining.
- Validation of new staining reagents or microscopy equipment.
- Staff training and competency testing in microbiology laboratories.
- Regulatory quality control documentation for accreditation and inspections.
By using the BD BACTROL AFB Slide, laboratories can ensure reliable staining performance and consistent AFB detection accuracy.
Best Practices for Use and Maintenance
Store BD BACTROL AFB Slides at room temperature (1530C) in their original packaging to prevent contamination and moisture exposure. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity. Handle slides only by the edges to prevent damage. Do not reuse or attempt to clean stained slides for future testing. Dispose of used slides according to institutional biosafety and laboratory waste protocols. Regularly verify lot expiration dates and maintain documentation for compliance with quality assurance standards.
Regulatory and Safety Information
The BD 231391 - BD BACTROL AFB Slide is an FDA-registered and CE-marked in vitro diagnostic product for professional use. It is noninfectious, non-toxic, and non-hazardous under OSHA and EU CLP regulations. The slides contain fixed biological material that poses no infectious risk. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from BD upon request, detailing safe handling and disposal guidelines. Follow institutional safety procedures when working with biological materials and reagents.
How to Order
To order the BD 231391 - BD BACTROL AFB Slide, add the product to your cart and complete checkout through CIA Medical. We offer competitive pricing, reliable delivery, and dedicated support for hospitals, clinical labs, and research institutions. For bulk orders, technical documentation, or product-specific inquiries, contact CIA Medicals customer service team at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our representatives are available to assist with product availability, lot validation data, and quality control documentation.
