Smear examination of two specimens for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Tiruvallur District, south India

Gopi, P G and Subramani, R and Selvakumar, N and Santha, T and Eusuff, S I and Narayanan, P R (2004) Smear examination of two specimens for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Tiruvallur District, south India. International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 8 (7). pp. 824-828. ISSN Print: 1027-3719; Online: 1815-7920

PDF 200411.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (59kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

SETTINGS: A general hospital and three peripheral health institutions (PHI) in Tiruvallur District, south India. OBJECTIVE: To validate the case detection strategy for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis by smear microscopy of two sputum specimens versus three. METHODS: In the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), three smears from every symptomatic patient attending the PHI were examined for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) microscopy. The data from the Tuberculosis Laboratory Registers from the above centres were analysed. RESULTS: Of 7843 chest symptomatics who had provided three sputum specimens for examination, 895 (11.4%) were smear-positive on at least two specimens. Examination of two specimens—first spot and early morning specimens (837, 93.5%) or early morning and second spot specimens (843, 94.2%)—yielded the highest number of cases. CONCLUSION: The examination of two sputum smears (one spot and an early morning) is as effective as examination of three smears.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	DOTS; RNTCP; sputum smear examination; AFB
Subjects:	Tuberculosis > Epidemiological Research
Divisions:	Epidemiology
Depositing User:	Dr. Rathinasabapati R
Date Deposited:	19 Nov 2013 11:13
Last Modified:	09 Mar 2016 10:13
URI:	http://eprints.nirt.res.in/id/eprint/642

Actions (login required)

View Item