Lab method
Oxidase test
Cytochrome c oxidase clue
OK-sih-days
High-yield clue
Pseudomonas and Neisseria are oxidase-positive teaching anchors; many Enterobacterales are oxidase negative.
Overview
A biochemical test concept that helps separate certain Gram-negative organisms by cytochrome c oxidase activity.
Classification
- Biochemical test
- Respiratory enzyme concept
Lab & identification clues
- Color-change vocabulary
- Gram-negative flowchart branch
Associations
- Pseudomonas
- Neisseria
- Enterobacterales contrast
Commonly confused with
- Catalase test
- Coagulase 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.