Sputum smear examination on a medical ward

Tuberculosis is a common condition in Malawi; and a common cause for admission to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). Sputum smear examination is vital dignosis; particularly as there are no facilities in the hospital for sputum culture. The results showed important deficiencies in the ward protocol of sputum smear examination. The study was designed to examine the process of sputum collection; sputum results; diagnosis and outcome of patients with suspected PTB who were admitted to the medical wards; QECH in May 1992