Which test is used to identify organisms producing catalase?

The catalase test is specifically designed to detect the enzyme catalase in microorganisms. This enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, which serves as a distinguishing feature for various bacterial species. When a sample containing catalase is exposed to hydrogen peroxide, the production of bubbles (oxygen gas) is a positive indication of the presence of the enzyme and thus, the organism.

While the oxidase test is used to determine if bacteria have cytochrome c oxidase, and the coagulase test is employed primarily to identify Staphylococcus aureus by detecting its ability to clot plasma, they do not measure catalase activity. The hemolysis test is used to assess the ability of organisms to lyse red blood cells but does not indicate the presence of catalase. Therefore, the catalase test is the correct choice because it directly assesses an organism's ability to produce the catalase enzyme.