oxidase test


ox·i·dase test

a test for the presence of intracellular cytochrome oxidase based on the reaction with p-phenylenediamine; aids in the identification of Neisseria species and Pseudomonadaceae.

oxidase test

a test used to detect the presence of CYTOCHROME c and its associated OXIDASE in BACTERIA. One form of the test involves adding several drops of the oxidase reagent (tetra-methyl-para-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride) to filter paper, then smearing a small amount of the bacterial sample on to the paper. A positive test is indicated by the development of a purple coloration (due to oxidation of the reagent), within about 10 seconds.