Coagulase Test: Do's & Don'ts

The coagulase test is one of the most frequently used tests in microbiology labs to detect Staphylococcus aureus and distinguish it from most other Staphylococci species.

Coagulase, a prothrombin-like enzyme found in Staphylococci, is capable of converting fibrinogen into fibrin. In vivo, coagulase is thought to work by forming a fibrin coating at the site of a staphylococcal infection. This enzyme helps to localize abscesses like carbuncles and furuncles and creates a barrier to antimicrobial medications and leucocyte phagocytic activity.

There are two types of coagulase: bound and free. Because each form has unique features, distinct testing methods is used to assess it.

There are a few dos and don'ts to bear in mind when performing the coagulase test and analysing the results. Let's take a look at these crucial pointers.