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Updated: May 12, 2026

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Sputum collection and disposal among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in coastal South India
T Rekha1, P Singh, B Unnikrishnan
1Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, India. rekha.thapar@manipal.edu
Background:
Safe sputum disposal practices minimise the spread of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).
Objectives:
To study the perceptions and practices of sputum disposal among PTB patients.
Methodology:
This study was conducted among 206 diagnosed sputum-positive TB patients registered in selected DOTS centres in Mangalore.
Results:
Safe sputum disposal practice was followed by 50% of the subjects: it was higher among females (62%), patients of middle socio-economic status (75.5%) and those with a family history of TB (70%). Furthermore, 75% patients believed that TB was caused by several factors.
Conclusions:
High proportions of subjects were unaware about the causes of TB and did not practise safe disposal of sputum.
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