One - day 2 sputum samples AFB microscopy versus standard two - day 3 sputum samples AFB microscopy in a Nigerian Rural tuberculosis center

Abstract

Aim: To compare one-day 2 sputum samples AFB microscopy with standard two-day 3 sputum samples AFB microscopy in a Nigerian rural tuberculosis center. Method: A total of 752 suspected tuberculosis patients were studied between May and July, 2006. Two sputum samples collected “on the spot” and one hour later served as study test procedure while three sputum samples collected in the usual standard sputum microscopy procedure served as control. Results: There was no significant difference in the diagnostic values between the study tests and the control (standard) tests (P=0.57). The study test was also observed to be highly sensitive and specific. Conclusion and Recommendation: One-day 2 sputum sample microscopy for AFB conducted one hour apart should be encouraged to avoid the inconvenience of asking patient to come back the next day. Early morning sputum sample the next day should be reserved for only those who had only one positive sputum result.

Keywords

• tuberculosis
• afb microscopy
• sputum sample
• nigerian rural tuberculosis center