Is bleach-sedimented smear microscopy an alternative to direct microscopy under programme conditions in India?

Abstract

This cross-sectional multi-centric study compared the yield of and potential benefit for detecting smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) by bleach sedimentation (2% sodium-hypochlorite) versus direct microscopy under programme conditions in India. Among 3168 PTB suspects, 684 (21.6%) were detected by bleach sedimentation vs. 625 (19.7%) by direct microscopy, with a proportional overall agreement of 96% (κ = 0.88). While 594 patients were smear-positive with both methods, 31 patients detected by direct microscopy were missed and an additional 90 patients were detected by bleach sedimentation. Overall, bleach sedimentation increased the yield of smear-positive TB detection; however; it also increased the time to results.

• Authors: P H Vishnu, P Bhat, A Bansal, S Satyanarayana, U Alavadi, B S Ohri, M S Rao Shrinivas, P Desikan, J Jaju, V G Rao, P K Moonan
• Journal: Public health action (Public Health Action) Vol. 3 Issue 1 Pg. 23-5 (Mar 21 2013) ISSN: 2220-8372 [Print] France
• PMID: 26392991 (Publication Type: Journal Article)