Radiometric detection of the metabolic activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A radiometric test capable of detecting the metabolic rate of M. tuberculosis within 18 hr after inoculation has been developed. The technique is based on the measurement of 14CO2 produced by the bacterial metabolism of 14C-U-glycerol of 14C-U-acetate. The test is an important first step in the development of rapid radiometric techniques for clinical study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.