1.
What is the normality of a solution of sodium hydroxide (molecular weight=40) containing 20 grams in 100 mL of solution?
Correct Answer
A. 5.0N
Explanation
The normality (N) of a solution is defined as the number of equivalents of solute per liter of solution. To calculate the normality, we need to determine the number of equivalents of sodium hydroxide in the given solution. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that dissociates completely in water to form one hydroxide ion (OH-) per molecule. Therefore, the number of equivalents is equal to the number of moles of sodium hydroxide.
First, we need to calculate the number of moles of sodium hydroxide in 20 grams. The molecular weight of sodium hydroxide is 40 g/mol, so the number of moles is 20 g / 40 g/mol = 0.5 mol.
Next, we need to determine the volume of the solution in liters. The given solution has a volume of 100 mL, which is equal to 0.1 L.
Finally, we can calculate the normality by dividing the number of equivalents (moles) by the volume in liters: 0.5 mol / 0.1 L = 5.0N.
Therefore, the normality of the sodium hydroxide solution is 5.0N.
2.
Carbohydrates are organic compounds of 1. carbon 2. hydrogen 33. oxygen
Correct Answer
D. 1,2, and 3
Explanation
Carbohydrates are organic compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. These atoms are bonded together in specific ratios, with the general formula for carbohydrates being (CH2O)n. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3, as all three elements are present in carbohydrates.
3.
WHich one of the following is a function of gamma globulin?
Correct Answer
D. Provides humoral immunity
Explanation
Gamma globulin is a type of protein found in the blood that plays a crucial role in providing humoral immunity. It is a component of the immune system and contains antibodies that help in fighting off infections and diseases. These antibodies are produced by B cells and are responsible for recognizing and neutralizing foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, gamma globulin is essential for the body's immune response and helps protect against various pathogens.
4.
Which instruments do NOT measure concentrations of a particular molecule but of the total ions and molecules in general (number of moles per kilogram of water)?
Correct Answer
A. Osmometers
Explanation
Osmometers are instruments that measure the total ions and molecules in a solution, rather than specifically measuring the concentration of a particular molecule. They do this by determining the osmotic pressure of the solution, which is a measure of the number of moles of solute per kilogram of water. Osmometers are commonly used in medical and research laboratories to measure the osmolality of bodily fluids and other solutions. This information is useful in diagnosing and monitoring certain medical conditions, as well as in various scientific and industrial applications.
5.
Osmolality of a solution is determined by measuring
Correct Answer
A. Freezing point depression
Explanation
Osmolality of a solution is determined by measuring freezing point depression. This is because the freezing point of a solution is lower than that of the pure solvent, and the extent of this depression is directly related to the number of solute particles present in the solution. Osmolality is a measure of the concentration of solute particles in a solution, and by measuring the freezing point depression, one can determine the osmolality accurately. Refractive index, specific gravity, and ionic strength are not directly related to osmolality measurement.
6.
Most methods for the determination of blood creatinine are based on the reaction of creatinine and
Correct Answer
B. Alkaline picrate
Explanation
The correct answer is alkaline picrate. Most methods for the determination of blood creatinine are based on the reaction of creatinine with alkaline picrate. This reaction forms a colored complex, which can be measured spectrophotometrically. By measuring the absorbance of the complex, the concentration of creatinine in the blood sample can be determined.
7.
Unconjugated bilirubin is also known as
Correct Answer
B. Prehepatic bilirubin
Explanation
Unconjugated bilirubin refers to bilirubin that has not yet been processed by the liver. It is produced when red blood cells break down and is transported to the liver for further processing. Prehepatic bilirubin is another term for unconjugated bilirubin, as it indicates that the bilirubin has not yet reached the liver. Conjugated bilirubin, on the other hand, refers to bilirubin that has been processed by the liver and is ready to be excreted. Total bilirubin is the sum of both unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin. Biliverdin, on the other hand, is a green pigment that is converted to bilirubin in the body.
8.
The ketone bodies include acetoacetic acid, acetone, and
Correct Answer
B. 3-hydroxy butyric acid
Explanation
The ketone bodies are acetoacetic acid, acetone, and 3-hydroxy butyric acid. Lactic acid, oxaloacetic acid, and acetic acid are not considered ketone bodies.
9.
Blood glucose levels are directly regulated by the hormone
Correct Answer
B. Insulin
Explanation
Insulin is the correct answer because it is the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps to lower blood glucose levels by allowing cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. It also promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Without sufficient insulin, blood glucose levels can become too high, leading to conditions like diabetes. ACTH, thyroxin, and hydrocortisone are not directly involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels.
10.
Albumin, alpha1, alpha2, beta, and gamma globulin are electrophoretic fractions of
Correct Answer
C. Serum protein
Explanation
Albumin, alpha1, alpha2, beta, and gamma globulin are electrophoretic fractions of serum protein. Electrophoretic fractionation is a technique used to separate different proteins based on their charge and size. In this case, the given fractions are all components of serum protein, which is a mixture of proteins found in blood plasma. Therefore, the correct answer is serum protein.
11.
Which one of the following methods could be used to study protein abnormality?
Correct Answer
B. ImmunoelectropHoresis
Explanation
Immunoelectrophoresis is a method that combines electrophoresis and immunodiffusion techniques to study protein abnormalities. It involves separating proteins based on their charge using electrophoresis and then detecting specific proteins using antibodies. This technique is particularly useful for identifying and quantifying abnormal proteins, such as those associated with autoimmune diseases or cancer. By comparing the protein profiles of healthy individuals with those of patients, researchers can gain insights into the presence and nature of protein abnormalities, aiding in diagnosis and treatment.
12.
Most of the plasma thyroxine (T4) is
Correct Answer
A. Bound to globulin
Explanation
Plasma thyroxine (T4) is mostly bound to globulin because globulin is a type of protein that acts as a carrier for T4 in the bloodstream. This binding helps to protect T4 from being rapidly metabolized or excreted by the body. By being bound to globulin, T4 can be transported to target tissues where it can be released and exert its hormonal effects.
13.
Sodium is responsible for the maintenance of
Correct Answer
B. Osmotic pressure of body fluids
Explanation
Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining the osmotic pressure of body fluids. Osmotic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by the solutes in a solution, which helps regulate the movement of water across cell membranes. Sodium ions are one of the main solutes in extracellular fluids, and their concentration affects the osmotic pressure. By controlling the osmotic pressure, sodium helps maintain the balance of water inside and outside cells, ensuring proper hydration and functioning of cells and tissues throughout the body.
14.
When using a buffer with a pH of 8.6, each of the serum proteins in an electrical field migrates toward
Correct Answer
A. The positive pole
Explanation
When using a buffer with a pH of 8.6, the serum proteins have a net negative charge. In an electrical field, negatively charged particles migrate towards the positive pole. Therefore, the serum proteins will migrate towards the positive pole in this scenario.
15.
The end-product of purine metabolism is
Correct Answer
D. Uric acid
Explanation
Uric acid is the correct answer because it is the end-product of purine metabolism. Purine metabolism involves the breakdown of purine nucleotides, which are components of DNA and RNA. The breakdown of these nucleotides leads to the production of uric acid. Uric acid is then excreted from the body through urine. Urea, creatine, and creatinine are not the end-products of purine metabolism, making them incorrect choices. Urea is a waste product of protein metabolism, creatine is involved in energy metabolism, and creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism.
16.
The degree that a procedure deviates from a known value or from a calculated mean value is known as
Correct Answer
C. Stardard deviation
Explanation
The degree that a procedure deviates from a known value or from a calculated mean value is known as the standard deviation. The standard deviation measures the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values. It is calculated by taking the square root of the variance, which is the average of the squared differences between each value and the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variability, while a lower standard deviation indicates less variability.
17.
Which one of the following hemoglobin determination methods is recommended by the International Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards and the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards?
Correct Answer
D. Cyanmethemoglobin
Explanation
Cyanmethemoglobin is the recommended method for hemoglobin determination by the International Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards and the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. This method involves the conversion of hemoglobin to cyanmethemoglobin, which is stable and can be measured accurately. This method is widely used in clinical laboratories for accurate and reliable measurement of hemoglobin levels in blood samples.
18.
When using white blood cell pipets for performing a white cell count, blood is diluted
Correct Answer
C. 1:20
Explanation
In order to perform a white cell count using white blood cell pipets, blood needs to be diluted. The dilution ratio determines the amount of blood that is mixed with a diluent solution. A dilution ratio of 1:20 means that for every 1 part of blood, 20 parts of diluent solution are added. This dilution allows for an accurate and manageable count of white blood cells, as it helps to reduce the concentration of cells in the sample and makes it easier to count them under a microscope.
19.
An RBC exhibiting hypochromia would be described as being
Correct Answer
D. Markedly pale in central color
Explanation
An RBC exhibiting hypochromia would be described as markedly pale in central color. Hypochromia refers to a condition where the red blood cells have a decreased amount of hemoglobin, resulting in a paler appearance. This paleness is particularly noticeable in the central area of the cell. It is not related to the shape, hemoglobin content, or bluish color of the RBC.
20.
When performing automated cell counts, most automated cell counted instruments
Correct Answer
C. Count nucleated red blood cells with leukocytes
Explanation
Most automated cell counting instruments count nucleated red blood cells with leukocytes. Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are responsible for the body's immune response and are found in the bloodstream. Nucleated red blood cells are abnormal cells that may be present in certain medical conditions. Since leukocytes are also present in the bloodstream and are involved in the immune response, automated cell counting instruments include them when counting nucleated red blood cells.
21.
During the maturation of a blood cell, the nuclear chromatin pattern becomes
Correct Answer
B. More dense
Explanation
As a blood cell matures, the nuclear chromatin pattern becomes more dense. This means that the DNA and associated proteins in the nucleus become more tightly packed. This denser chromatin pattern allows for more efficient regulation of gene expression and helps to maintain the stability and integrity of the genetic material within the cell.
22.
An elevated leukocyte count with increased numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes USUALLY indicates
Correct Answer
A. Bacterial infection
Explanation
An elevated leukocyte count with increased numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes usually indicates a bacterial infection. Neutrophilic granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune response to bacterial infections. When there is an infection, the body releases more neutrophils to help fight off the bacteria. Therefore, an elevated leukocyte count with increased numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes is often seen in bacterial infections.
23.
On most automated cell counted, background counts are made using
Correct Answer
C. Diluting fluid
Explanation
The correct answer is diluting fluid because it is commonly used in automated cell counters to create a dilution of the blood sample. This dilution helps in obtaining accurate and reliable cell counts by ensuring that the cells are evenly distributed and not clumped together. The diluting fluid also helps in maintaining the integrity of the cells and preventing any interference or contamination from other substances present in the sample.
24.
Cerebral spinal fluid patients with post-cerebral hemmorrhage appears
Correct Answer
C. Light yellow or straw colored
Explanation
The correct answer is light yellow or straw colored. Cerebral spinal fluid in patients with post-cerebral hemorrhage may appear this way due to the presence of red blood cells and breakdown products of blood. The yellow color is caused by the bilirubin pigment, which is a product of the breakdown of red blood cells. This color indicates that there is a small amount of blood present in the fluid, but not enough to cause it to be bright red or green.
25.
On an automated blood cell counter, the two parameters affected by a high background count would be
Correct Answer
C. RBC and WBC
Explanation
A high background count on an automated blood cell counter indicates an increased number of non-cellular particles in the sample, which can interfere with the accurate counting of red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC). These non-cellular particles can be debris, platelets, or other substances that may be mistaken as cells by the counter. Therefore, a high background count would affect the accurate measurement of both RBC and WBC parameters.
26.
Leukemia may be suspected when a manual hematocrit determination reveals
Correct Answer
D. A heavy buffy coat
Explanation
A heavy buffy coat may suggest the presence of leukemia. The buffy coat is the layer of white blood cells and platelets that separates from the red blood cells after centrifugation. In a healthy individual, the buffy coat is usually thin. However, in leukemia, there is an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells, leading to a heavier buffy coat. This can be an indication of leukemia and further diagnostic tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
27.
Hansel's stain is appropriate for
Correct Answer
C. Nasal secrection for eosinopHiles
Explanation
Hansel's stain is appropriate for nasal secretion for eosinophils. This staining technique is used to identify and count eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections. By staining the nasal secretion with Hansel's stain, eosinophils can be easily visualized under a microscope, allowing for the assessment of eosinophil levels in the sample. This can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as allergic rhinitis or eosinophilic rhinosinusitis.
28.
Reticulocytes contain
Correct Answer
B. RNA remnants
Explanation
Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that still contain some RNA remnants. These remnants are leftover from the process of synthesizing hemoglobin, which occurs in the reticulocytes. As the reticulocytes mature into erythrocytes (mature red blood cells), the RNA remnants are removed, resulting in cells that do not contain any DNA remnants. Therefore, the correct answer is RNA remnants.
29.
A substance that produces a prolonged prothrombin time when given orally is
Correct Answer
D. Coumadin
Explanation
Coumadin is the correct answer because it is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver, including prothrombin. When Coumadin is given orally, it prolongs the prothrombin time, which is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot. This effect is desired in certain medical conditions where there is a risk of excessive blood clotting. Heparin, protamine sulfate, and saliclate do not produce a prolonged prothrombin time when given orally.
30.
Clot retraction can be employed as an indicator of
Correct Answer
D. Platelet function
Explanation
Clot retraction refers to the process by which a blood clot becomes more compact and retracts, leading to the formation of a stable clot. This process is primarily dependent on the function of platelets, which play a crucial role in clot formation and stabilization. Therefore, clot retraction can be used as an indicator of platelet function. Factor VII deficiency and Factor X deficiency are related to the coagulation cascade, while hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot. None of these conditions directly impact clot retraction, making platelet function the correct answer.
31.
The quantity of inactivated serum used for qualitative VDRL test is
Correct Answer
B. 0.05 mL
Explanation
The correct answer is 0.05 mL. In the qualitative VDRL test, a small amount of inactivated serum is used to detect the presence of antibodies to syphilis. This test is used to determine if a person has been exposed to the syphilis bacteria. The quantity of 0.05 mL is sufficient to ensure accurate results without using an excessive amount of serum.
32.
The RA latex test is used as a screening test for
Correct Answer
A. Rheumatoid arthritis
Explanation
The RA latex test is used as a screening test for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. The RA latex test detects the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF), an antibody that is often found in the blood of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, a positive RA latex test indicates a higher likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis. The test helps healthcare professionals in diagnosing and monitoring the disease.
33.
Rh immune globulin is given to an Rh (D)
Correct Answer
C. Negative mother who has delivered an Rh(D) positive fetus
Explanation
Rh immune globulin is given to a negative mother who has delivered an Rh(D) positive fetus. This is because Rh immune globulin helps prevent the mother's immune system from developing antibodies against the Rh(D) antigen, which can occur when the mother is Rh(D) negative and the fetus is Rh(D) positive. If the mother develops these antibodies, it can lead to complications in future pregnancies with Rh(D) positive fetuses. Therefore, giving Rh immune globulin to the negative mother after delivery of an Rh(D) positive fetus helps prevent the development of these antibodies.
34.
Which one of the following may detect a hemolytic transfusion reaction?
Correct Answer
B. Serum haptoglobin
Explanation
Serum haptoglobin may detect a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Haptoglobin is a protein that binds to free hemoglobin released from red blood cells during hemolysis. In a hemolytic transfusion reaction, there is destruction of red blood cells, leading to the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream. The binding of haptoglobin to free hemoglobin forms a complex that is then cleared from the bloodstream. Therefore, a decrease in serum haptoglobin levels may indicate a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Urine porphyrins, post-transfusion red blood count and hemoglobin, and pre-transfusion bilirubin are not specifically related to detecting hemolytic transfusion reactions.
35.
To determine if a patient is A1 or A2, the blood is typed with
Correct Answer
D. Dolichos biflorus serum
Explanation
Dolichos biflorus serum is used to determine if a patient is A1 or A2. This serum is specifically used to detect the presence of A2 antigen on red blood cells. If the serum reacts with the blood sample, it indicates that the patient is A2. If there is no reaction, it means the patient is A1. The other serums listed (anti-A serum, anti-AB serum) are used for different blood typing purposes and do not specifically differentiate between A1 and A2.
36.
Who is credited with processing the most readily acceptable theory of ABO inheritance?
Correct Answer
B. Landsteiner
Explanation
Landsteiner is credited with processing the most readily acceptable theory of ABO inheritance. This is because Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood groups and proposed the theory of inheritance based on his experiments. His work laid the foundation for our understanding of blood types and their inheritance patterns, which has been widely accepted in the field of genetics and immunology.
37.
The major cation found in the extra cellular fluid is
Correct Answer
C. Sodium
Explanation
Sodium is the major cation found in the extracellular fluid. Cations are positively charged ions, and sodium is the most abundant positively charged ion in the extracellular fluid. It plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, transmitting nerve impulses, and supporting muscle function. Chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate are also important ions in the body, but sodium is the primary cation in the extracellular fluid.
38.
Antihuman serum globulin reagent
Correct Answer
C. Is produced in laboratory animals
Explanation
The correct answer is "is produced in laboratory animals." This is because antihuman serum globulin reagent is a reagent that is used in laboratory tests to detect antibodies in human serum. It is produced by injecting laboratory animals with human serum globulin, which stimulates the animals to produce antibodies against the human serum globulin. These antibodies are then collected and used as the antihuman serum globulin reagent in laboratory tests.
39.
Blood group A individuals have
Correct Answer
B. Anti-B in their serum
Explanation
Blood group A individuals have anti-B in their serum because they do not have the B antigen on their red blood cells. The presence of anti-B antibodies allows their immune system to recognize and attack any foreign blood cells that do have the B antigen, preventing incompatible blood transfusions.
40.
A donor who recently tested positive for HBsAg should be deferred
Correct Answer
D. Permanently
Explanation
A donor who recently tested positive for HBsAg should be deferred permanently because HBsAg is a marker for hepatitis B virus infection. This means that the donor is currently infected with the virus and can transmit it to the recipient through blood transfusion. Therefore, it is necessary to permanently defer the donor to ensure the safety of the blood supply and prevent the transmission of hepatitis B to recipients.
41.
Antihuman serum globulin (Coombs) is NOT used in performing
Correct Answer
A. Reverse typing
Explanation
Antihuman serum globulin (Coombs) is not used in performing reverse typing. Reverse typing is a blood typing technique that involves testing the patient's serum against known red blood cell antigens. Antihuman serum globulin (Coombs) is used in other blood typing techniques, such as direct typing and indirect antiglobulin testing, to detect antibodies that have coated the patient's red blood cells. However, in reverse typing, the patient's serum is tested for the presence of antibodies, so antihuman serum globulin (Coombs) is not necessary.
42.
A mother is Rh(D) negative. The father is homozygous Rh(D) positive. All of their offspring will be
Correct Answer
C. Heterozygous Rh(D) positive
Explanation
In this scenario, the mother is Rh(D) negative, which means she does not have the Rh(D) antigen on her red blood cells. The father is homozygous Rh(D) positive, meaning he has two copies of the Rh(D) antigen. Since Rh(D) positive is dominant over Rh(D) negative, all of their offspring will inherit one Rh(D) positive allele from the father and one Rh(D) negative allele from the mother, making them heterozygous Rh(D) positive.
43.
According to Landsteiner, when a specific antigen is present on blood cells, the corresponding antibody
Correct Answer
B. Is absent from the serum
Explanation
According to Landsteiner, when a specific antigen is present on blood cells, the corresponding antibody is absent from the serum. This means that if a particular antigen is found on the surface of blood cells, the corresponding antibody that can recognize and bind to that antigen is not present in the serum. This is an important concept in blood typing and understanding immune responses, as it helps to explain why certain blood types can be incompatible with others.
44.
Cell/antibody mixtures used in tube testing to determine ABO Group should be centrifuged for
Correct Answer
A. 15-30 seconds @ 1000
Explanation
Cell/antibody mixtures used in tube testing to determine ABO Group should be centrifuged at a speed of 1000 for a duration of 15-30 seconds. Centrifugation is done to separate the cells from the serum or plasma in the mixture. This process helps in obtaining a clear supernatant, which is necessary for accurate interpretation of the test results. Centrifuging for a longer duration or at higher speeds may lead to hemolysis or improper separation of the components, affecting the reliability of the test.
45.
Water-soluble pigments are produced by
Correct Answer
B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Explanation
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to produce water-soluble pigments such as pyocyanin, pyoverdine, and pyorubin. These pigments are important for the survival and virulence of the bacterium. Pyocyanin, for example, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties and can help Pseudomonas aeruginosa compete with other microorganisms in its environment. Therefore, it is the most likely organism to produce water-soluble pigments among the options given.
46.
A reactive fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-AB) test
Correct Answer
B. Confirms the presence of treponemal antibodies
Explanation
The correct answer, "confirms the presence of treponemal antibodies," indicates that a reactive fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-AB) test is used to detect the presence of antibodies produced by the body in response to a treponemal infection. This test is commonly used to diagnose syphilis, as the presence of treponemal antibodies confirms the infection. It does not indicate the severity of the infection or the specific stage of syphilis.
47.
Which of the following is a strict anaerobe?
Correct Answer
C. Clostridium botulinum
Explanation
Clostridium botulinum is a strict anaerobe because it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. It is a bacterium that produces the botulinum toxin, which causes the serious illness botulism. This bacterium is commonly found in soil and water, and it thrives in environments with low oxygen levels. Its ability to survive and produce toxins in anaerobic conditions makes it a strict anaerobe. Bacillus anthracis, Listeria monocytogenes, and Nocardia asteroides are not strict anaerobes as they can tolerate or even grow in the presence of oxygen.
48.
Optochin is used to help identify
Correct Answer
A. Streptococcus pneumoniae
Explanation
Optochin is a chemical compound that is used in the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. This bacteria is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, and can also cause meningitis and other invasive diseases. Optochin is added to a culture of bacteria, and if the bacteria are sensitive to optochin, they will not grow. Streptococcus pneumoniae is sensitive to optochin, whereas the other bacteria listed in the options are not affected by it. Therefore, the correct answer is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
49.
A trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica usually contains
Correct Answer
D. Red blood cells int he cytoplasm
Explanation
A trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica usually contains red blood cells in the cytoplasm. This is a characteristic feature of this parasite, as it is known to invade and feed on red blood cells. The presence of red blood cells in the cytoplasm can be used as a diagnostic feature to identify Entamoeba histolytica in a clinical sample.
50.
Which media is used to ISOLATE Staphylococcus aureus from specimens that have mixed bacterial flora such as feces?
Correct Answer
A. Mannitol salt agar
Explanation
Mannitol salt agar is a selective and differential medium commonly used to isolate Staphylococcus aureus from specimens that contain mixed bacterial flora such as feces. This medium contains high salt concentration which inhibits the growth of most bacteria except for Staphylococcus species. Additionally, it contains mannitol and a pH indicator that allows for the differentiation of Staphylococcus aureus based on its ability to ferment mannitol, producing acid and causing a change in color of the medium. Therefore, mannitol salt agar is the appropriate choice for isolating Staphylococcus aureus from mixed bacterial flora.