Microscopic observation [Identifier] in Throat by Alberts stain

Alberts Stn Throat

Definition

A microscopic exam of a smear from a throat swab for suspected diphtheria. Albert's stain demonstrates the metachromatic granules in the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacillus. The C. diphtheriae bacillus stains green and the granules stain bluish black. These granules are also called volutin bodies, Babe-Ernst granules, or polar bodies. Albert's stain can be used for the presumptive diagnosis of diphtheria. Albert's staining demonstrates the metachromatic granules in club-shaped C. diphtheriae bacilli, often arranged in Chinese character-like formations. Albert's technique can also stain non-pathogenic Corynebacterium species (diphtheroids) in the throat, thus a positive Albert's smear should only be considered a presumptive diagnosis diphtheria.

ID; Identity or presence; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; Microbiology; Nominal; Point in time; Random; St; Stains; Stn; Throat; Upper respiratory