In the decontamination and digestion procedure for isolating mycobacteria from sputum samples, what is the role of NALC?

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Multiple Choice

In the decontamination and digestion procedure for isolating mycobacteria from sputum samples, what is the role of NALC?

Explanation:
In this step, the role of NALC is to liquefy mucus. NALC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is a mucolytic agent that breaks disulfide bonds in mucous proteins, reducing the viscosity of sputum and freeing trapped mycobacteria. This makes the sample easier to digest and allows the decontaminant (often NaOH) to contact and act on any non-mycobacterial contaminants, while preserving the viability of the mycobacteria. It’s not bactericidal, nor a growth stimulant, and pH changes are managed separately during the decontamination process.

In this step, the role of NALC is to liquefy mucus. NALC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is a mucolytic agent that breaks disulfide bonds in mucous proteins, reducing the viscosity of sputum and freeing trapped mycobacteria. This makes the sample easier to digest and allows the decontaminant (often NaOH) to contact and act on any non-mycobacterial contaminants, while preserving the viability of the mycobacteria. It’s not bactericidal, nor a growth stimulant, and pH changes are managed separately during the decontamination process.

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