The F.A.S.T. TB detection products dramatically reduce conventional Auramine O smear preparation time from 20 minutes to 3 minutes while maintaining high sensitivity standards of fluorescence microscopy
QBC Fluorescence and Staining Technologies (F.A.S.T.)™ TB kits are designed to increase the speed and accuracy of TB staining and processing. F.A.S.T. TB kits are integral to achieving DOTS goals of 70% smear-positive case detection and meeting the objectives established by the Stop TB Strategy.
QBC F.A.S.T. Technology
With conventional Auramine O protocols, the staining, decolourisation and quenching process takes approximately 20 minutes, and the decolourisation reagent contains a high concentration of alcohol that introduces a significantly flammable hazard. The QBC F.A.S.T. Auramine O stain kit uses a proprietary stain and a non-flammable combination decolouriser/quenching agent to make a rapid four-step process that takes just over 2 minutes to complete:
1.Cover smear with F.A.S.T. Auramine O stain and let stand for 1 minute
2.Rinse gently with water
3.Cover smear with F.A.S.T. decolouriser/quencher and let stand for 1 minute
4.Rinse gently with water
5.Once the slide dries, the sample is ready for microscopic examination