Use of sputum induction for establishing diagnosis in suspected pulmonary tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT

Setting: Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. Aim: The study was undertaken to find out the yield in the diagnosis of the smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis by sputum induction with hypertonic saline. Methodology: 5ml hypertonic saline was administered through ultrasonic nebuliser for a maximum of 30 minutes. Results: One hundred patients suspected of pulmonary tuberculosis either smear negative with spontaneous sputum or having inadequate/no sputum were studied. Ninety-seven patients produced adequate amount of sputum after hypertonic saline induction. Thirty-eight were found positive for AFB on sputum microscopy after induction. Conclusions: Hypertonic saline induction produces better quality and adequate sputum, thereby increasing yield of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis.