[The clinical value of a new microscopy technic in the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis]

860 samples from lungs were processed in our laboratory, simultaneously using Smithwick's fluorescent technique and a fluorescent thick-drop technique, previously described by us. We found a sensitivity of 82.06% and 86.54% for Smithwick's fluorescent technique and thick drop technique, respectively. This technique is faster and more sensitive than any other currently known.