[Infectious conjunctivitis. The tear leukocyte esterase reaction (TLE) as a diagnostic aid].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Biochemistry

Context:

• Infectious conjunctivitis diagnosis requires accurate and rapid methods.
• Leukocyte esterase is a marker for ocular inflammation.
• Current diagnostic methods may lack speed or specificity.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a leukocyte esterase test for infectious conjunctivitis.
• To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the stix test for ocular infections.

Summary:

• Lacrimal fluid is collected on a swab and applied to a leukocyte esterase test field.
• Color change is assessed after one minute.
• The test demonstrated 90% sensitivity and 98% specificity in diagnosing infectious conjunctivitis.

Impact:

• Provides a rapid, accurate diagnostic tool for infectious conjunctivitis.
• Aids in guiding antibiotic therapy decisions.
• Facilitates safe contact lens management by screening for ocular infections.