Journal article
Improved sensitivity, safety and laboratory turnaround time in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis by use of bleach sedimentation
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine, Vol.4(1), pp.1-5
2015
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.
Details
- Title
- Improved sensitivity, safety and laboratory turnaround time in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis by use of bleach sedimentation
- Authors
- Ameh S James (Author) - Family Health International, NigeriaKingsley Ochei (Author) - Family Health International, NigeriaNnamdi Emenyonu (Author) - Keystone Laboratories International, NigeriaLovett Lawson (Author) - Zankli Medical Centres, Nigeria
- Publication details
- African Journal of Laboratory Medicine, Vol.4(1), pp.1-5
- Publisher
- A O S I S OpenJournals
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.4102/ajlm.v4i1.117
- ISSN
- 2225-2002
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2015. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449912202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
43 File views/ downloads
482 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Medicine, Research & Experimental
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites