[Homogenization of samples for the culture of mycobacteria. A comparative study of samples with and without...

A homogenization method for sputum samples for the culture of acid-fast bacilli that omits the use of centrifugation, passage test tubes and balances is described. 10% sodium phosphate was used as decontaminating substance. This method facilitates the laboratory work since the samples so treated are incubated at 37 degrees C up to the next day when they are then cultured. 676 samples prepared according to this method were compared with samples prepared according to the standard method; a 6,21% positivity in the former compared to a 5,47% in the latter as well as a lower percentage of contamination were obtained. Contamination occurred in 9,91% of samples without centrifugation and in 14,35% of centrifuged samples.