AFB (ZN) STAIN

The AFB-ZN stain, or Ziehl-Neelsen stain, is a microscopic test used to identify acid-fast bacilli, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in clinical samples. This technique is based on the acid-fast property of these bacteria, which have a lipid-rich outer layer that resists decolorization by acid-alcohol solutions. The Ziehl-Neelsen stain is widely used for the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) due to its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness.