Question

Are microcrystalline tests screening tests or confirmatory tests? Give two reasons that support both sides of the argument.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Microcrystalline tests are definitely confirmatory tests since they help us to determine the specific identity of the sample. Whether formation of microcrystals takes place or not on adding of a specific reagant can confirm the identity of the sample under investigation.

These tests are usually carried out after a series of other initial tests and hence are confirmatory, whereas, screening tests are those initial tests which are carried out to understand the broader class of the sample under investigation.

The microcrystalline tests are high on sensitivity hence are confirmatory, unlike screening tests, which are not very sensitive.

Microcrystalline tests make use of highly sensitive polarized microscopes which distinguishes between the different kinds of crystals and help us arrive at a conclusion