Fluorochrome staining of mycobacteria in an acid-fast smear offers several advantages over traditional carbol-fuchsin methods. Lower magnification is required; fluorescent mycobacteria stand out brightly on a darkened background. Smaller numbers of mycobacteria are easily identified with a fluorescent stain.

The Fungi-Fluor^® Kit for Fungal Detection offers a quick fluorescent stain/counterstain procedure for various fungal organisms. The kit can be used to screen a variety of specimen types, such as sputum and skin scrapings, for fungal detection.

Pneumocystis jiroveci (previously named P. carinii) is an organism that can cause Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients. PCP, long associated with morbidity and mortality with HIV-infected (AIDS) patients, is now increasing in prevalence among the non-HIV infected immunosuppressed population. Early detection allows the introduction of appropriate treatment and may improve chances of patient survival. The Fungi Fluor^® Pneumocystis kit offers a fast, fluorescent staining procedure for Pneumocystis carinii in bronchial specimens.