Tuberculosis
Czas oczekiwania: Minimum 3–4 weeks of culture + 20–30 minutes
Waiting time: Minimum 3–4 weeks of culture + 20–30 minutes
When should the test be performed?
The niacin test is used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis by assessing the bacilli’s ability to metabolize nicotinic acid (niacin). Indications for performing the test include:
- Differentiating Mycobacterium tuberculosis from other mycobacterial species
- Confirming whether bacterial isolates belong to the M. tuberculosis complex
- Verifying culture results in tuberculosis diagnostics
Test description
The niacin test is based on metabolic differences in niacin (nicotinic acid) processing among mycobacterial species. Mycobacterium tuberculosis lacks the ability to metabolize niacin, allowing for its differentiation from other Mycobacterium species.
- The test involves a chemical reaction in which the presence of niacin triggers the release of cyanide chloride, resulting in a yellow color on the reaction strips
- The test is performed on bacterial isolates obtained from culture
- It is a quick and effective method that supports the identification of M. tuberculosis bacilli