A simple diagnostic culture method for use in a tuberculosis control programme

A simple, widely applicable method for the culture of tubercle bacilli was compared with the classical standard method in a controlled trial on 500 specimens. The method consisted of treating sputum samples with a detergent-alkali mixture, and inoculating this on to buffered medium. The technique was found to be as sensitive as the standard method for the isolation of tubercle bacilli, and also to reduce contamination rates. Consistent results were obtained in 10 026 routine specimens, confirming the diagnosis for 86.4% of the new patients within 3 weeks. Cultures were not affected by delayed incubation.