Lab method
Coagulase test
S. aureus clue among staphylococci
koh-AG-yoo-lays
High-yield clue
Coagulase positive is a classic S. aureus clue.
Overview
A biochemical test concept used in teaching algorithms to distinguish coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus from coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Classification
- Biochemical test
- Staphylococcus differentiation
Lab & identification clues
- Clotting vocabulary
- Tube/slide test concepts
Associations
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci
Commonly confused with
- Catalase test
- Oxidase test
Your notes
Original concept summary for coursework. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e and NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology; reviewed 2026-06. Describes vocabulary and interpretation concepts only; not a lab protocol and not for handling specimens or identifying patient isolates.