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

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

• A. Bactericidal for normal flora
• B. Growth stimulant
• C. Liquefies mucus
• D. Neutralizes pH to prevent damage to mycobacteria

Answer: (C)

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.