LEAD ACETATE PAPER STRIPS*

The lead acetate procedure is more sensitive than any other method for detecting H2S production. It detects even
traces of H2S. H2S is a colourless gas which on contact with lead acetate produces lead sulphide, a black precipitate,
indicated by a visible black coloured reaction on the Lead acetate paper strip. Lead Acetate Paper strips are sterile filter
paper strips impregnated with lead acetate reagent. Certain organisms are capable of enzymatically liberating sulphur
from sulphur containing aminoacids or inorganic sulphur compounds. Hydrogen sulphide can be produced in small
amounts from sulphur containing amino acids like Cysteine by a large number of bacteria in a carbohydrate media. This
test is used mainly for identification and differentiation of organisms like Salmonella species.

For detection of H2S production.