Improved sensitivity, safety and laboratory turn around time in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis by use of bleach sedimentation
Afr. j. lab. med. (Online)
;
4(1): 1-5, 2015. ilus
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257301
ABSTRACT
Background:
Inadequate diagnostic processes and human resources in laboratories contribute to a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) in low- and middle-income countries. Direct smear microscopy is relied on for TB diagnosis; however; sensitivity rates vary. To improve sensitivity of direct microscopy; the researchers employed several approaches; including sputum digestion and concentration of acid-fast bacilli (AFB); a technique which uses commercial bleach.Objectives:
This study compared methods used to diagnose active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections.Methods:
Three sputum specimens were collected from each of 340 participants in Abuja; Nigeria; over two consecutive days. Direct microscopy was performed on all specimens; following microscopy; one specimen from each patient was selected randomly for bleach sedimentation and one for Lowenstein-Jensen culture.Results:
Direct microscopy produced 28.8% AFB-positive results; whilst bleach sedimentation resulted in 30.3%. When compared with the cultures; 26.5% were AFB true positive using direct microscopy and 27.1% using bleach sedimentation. Whilst the specificity rate between these two methods was not statistically significant (P = 0.548); the sensitivity rate was significant (P = 0.004).Conclusion:
Based on these results; bleach increases the sensitivity of microscopy compared with direct smear and has similar specificity. When diagnosing new cases of pulmonary TB; one bleach-digested smear is as sensitive as three direct smears; reducing waiting times for patients and ensuring the safety of laboratory technicians
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Sodium Hypochlorite
/
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
/
Sensitivity and Specificity
/
Mycobacterium Infections
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. lab. med. (Online)
Year:
2015
Type:
Article
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