Use of UV ParaLens adapter for detection of acid-fast organisms

Auramine-stained mycobacterial smears from 136 clinical specimens were interpreted by using the UV ParaLens adapter (Beckton Dickinson), and results were compared with smear interpretations using a traditional fluorescent microscope and culture. The sensitivity and specificity of the ParaLens were 84 and 93%, respectively. Smears yielding discrepant results were overstained by the Kinyoun method. Overall, the sensitivity of auramine-stained smears interpreted with the UV ParaLens was comparable to that of Kinyoun-stained smears.