What is Albert's Stain test?

This test involves a few steps, each of which last a few minutes.

• A throat swab is taken and used to prepare and fix the smear on a glass slide by gently heating it over a flame.
• The heated and fixed smear is covered with methanol and kept aside for 15 seconds.
• It is followed by draining and air drying the smear.
• The smear is covered with Albert’s Stain A solution for 3 to 5 minutes.
• It is drained but not washed.
• The smear is covered with Albert’s Stain B solution again for 1 to 2 minutes.
• The slide is rinsed, blotted to dry to examine the smear under the microscope, and not to be washed.

Precautions are taken during the test to ensure the stained smear is not washed with water as it gets washed off and fades the stains, affecting the results. 

The sample for Albert’s staining test is taken on a clean cotton swab by gently rubbing it over your throat, tonsils, and other areas in the mouth.
You will be asked to bend your head backward and keep your mouth open till the sample is collected.

No, it does not hurt and is not painful, but for many, it can be a little uncomfortable.

Simple precautions are advised to be taken before Albert’s staining test, like not rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash before the sample is taken. Inform your doctor if you are under any medication, including antibiotics. These are important, as the results of the test may otherwise be affected.

Metachromatic staining is done with Albert's Stain to study the presence of these granules, as it shows a different staining characteristic. These granules appear in a blue, purple, black colour when exposed to the stains, whereas the body of Corynebacterium diphtheriae appears green. If the microscopic observation appears in two different colours on the smear slide, it indicates the presence of the bacteria causing diphtheria.

There is no special preparation to be done for Albert's staining test. Simply ensure you follow your doctor's instructions and do not rinse your mouth with an antiseptic lotion before the sample is collected. Inform your physician if you are taking any antibiotics.

There are two types of reagents used in Albert’s staining procedure:

Albert’s A  solution – contains glacial acetic acid, ethyl alcohol, toluidine blue, malachite green, and distilled water.

Albert’s B solution – contains iodine crystals, potassium iodide, and distilled water.

No, this test is not harmful as the sample is collected in the lab by or under the supervision of trained and qualified technical and medical professionals. The sample collection process is very simple and not painful.

Book an appointment with a specialist at Yashoda Hospital and get a free second opinion. Our team is here to help you.