Carbol fuchsin Strong (1%)

Carbol fuchsin Strong (1%) is used as a dye to detect acid fast bacteria.

Carbol Fuchsin forms acid insoluble complex with the Mycolic acid present on the Acid-Fast Bacilli and renders red / pinkish red color to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Mycobacterium leprae. Mycobacterium species being acid fast in nature, resists decolourization by strong acid. Other elements present in the smear are decolourized and hence take up the counter stain (methylene blue) and are stained blue.

Reagents/Contents:

Appearance: Dark pinkish red solution.