Coagulase test

The coagulase test is an important test to identify the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus. Pathogenic staphylococci can produce two kinds of coagulases. One is a coagulation factor that binds to the cell wall, called binding coagulase. It directly acts on fibrinogen in the plasma, causes precipitation, and surrounds the bacteria to agglomerate. The positive result of the slide method is caused by this coagulation factor; another coagulase is secreted outside the bacteria, called free coagulase, which can turn prothrombin into thrombin products and fibrinogen. Fibrin, which coagulates the plasma. The test tube method can measure both bound and free coagulase.