In sputum processing for mycobacteria, which statement is correct?

In sputum processing for mycobacteria, which statement is correct?

• A. NALC is used for digestion or liquefaction; NaOH is used for decontamination.
• B. NALC is used for decontamination; NaOH is used for digestion.
• C. NALC is used for decontamination and liquefaction; NaOH is used for neutralization.
• D. Both NALC and NaOH are used for digestion.

Answer: (A)

In sputum processing for mycobacteria, the goal is to liquefy the sample so organisms are released and to reduce competing flora. NALC serves as a mucolytic agent that digests and liquefies the mucus, freeing the mycobacteria and making it easier to concentrate them for culture. NaOH provides decontamination by killing many non-mycobacterial organisms, helping prevent overgrowth during culture. After exposure, the mixture is neutralized to stop the caustic effect before centrifugation and culture. This combination—NALC for digestion/liquefaction and NaOH for decontamination—is the standard approach.

In sputum processing for mycobacteria, the goal is to liquefy the sample so organisms are released and to reduce competing flora. NALC serves as a mucolytic agent that digests and liquefies the mucus, freeing the mycobacteria and making it easier to concentrate them for culture. NaOH provides decontamination by killing many non-mycobacterial organisms, helping prevent overgrowth during culture. After exposure, the mixture is neutralized to stop the caustic effect before centrifugation and culture. This combination—NALC for digestion/liquefaction and NaOH for decontamination—is the standard approach.