Filter paper strip kit: a cost-effective transport media

This study was undertaken to discover a feasible transport media for the transportation of ocular microbiological material from the periphery to the central laboratory. A total of 94 cases of ocular infection with clinical diagnosis of conjunctivitis and keratitis were studied. In all cases, two representative microbiological samples were collected, and sent by filter paper strip (FPS) kit as well as by direct culture technique. The isolated organisms by both the methods were analysed. Of the total 94 cases studied, bacteria were isolated in 48 cases by direct culture and in 45 cases by FPS kit, whereas, fungus were isolated in 13 cases by each method. FPS kit appears to be an alternative, feasible, and cost-effective technique for transportation of ocular microbiological material from periphery to the central laboratory.