Washing of new microscopic glass slides in dichromate solution does not influence sputum AFB smear results.
Selvakumar, N.; Prabhakaran, E.; Rehman, F.; Frieden, T.R.; Santha, T.
International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease; 2002; 6; 270-272.
Setting : Microscopy centers in Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu, India, implementing DOTS.
Objectives : To know whether washing new glass slides in dichromate solution is essential for effective sputum acid-fast bacilli microscopy.
Methods : Two direct smears were prepared from each of 1750 sputum samples. One was made on dichromate solution-cleaned new glass slides and the other was made on unwashed new glass slides. The smears were blinded and examined.
Results : Of the 1750 specimens 13.5 % and 13.09% were positive for AFB using washed and unwashed slides, respectively (P = 0.12). The concordance between these two (including one grade above and one below) was 98.7%.
Conclusion : Washing of new glass slides in dichromate solution is not essential for AFB microscopy.
Keywords : tuberculosis, sputum; AFB; DOTS; slides.
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