acid-fast

[ as-id-fast, -fahst ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

acid-fast

(of bacteria and tissues) resistant to decolorization by mineral acids after staining

First recorded in 1900–05

There are a number of bacilli, called acid-fast bacilli, which stain in the same way as the tubercle bacillus.

This method is supposed to differentiate between B. tuberculosis and other acid-fast micro-organisms.

Stains non-acid-fast bacilli, leucocytes, epithelial cells, etc.

Other bacteria than the acid-fast group are stained blue by Gabbet's method.

The acid-fast bacteria are particularly rich in fatty substances, especially the higher wax-like fats.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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