The feasibility study of two sputum specimens instead of three copies of sputum specimens smear method

Objective To explore the possibility of replacing three copies of sputum specimens smear method with two in the suspected tuberculosis cases.Methods The instant sputum specimens,night sputum specimens and early morning sputum specimens which came from 1002 suspected tuberculosis cases were smeared directly,dyed with Ziehl-Neelsin anti-acid dyeing method,and observed with the microscope.Results The positive rates of acid-fast bacillus had no significant differences between the group of instant sputum+night sputum+morning sputum and the group of night sputum+morning sputum.Conclusions Instant sputum cannot improve the positive rates of acid-fast bacillus.The suspicious tuberculosis patients can use two sputum specimens(night sputum+early morning sputum) smear method to replace the original plan of three sputum specimens(instant sputum+night sputum+early morning sputum) smear method.