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Selection of sputum specimens for microbiological examination
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Rotherham General Hospital NHS Trust, England, UK.
British Journal of Biomedical Science
|December 1, 1996
Summary
The leucocyte esterase (LE) strip test offers a simple alternative to traditional microscopy for screening sputum specimens. This method helps identify samples unsuitable for bacteriological examination, improving efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Diagnostic pathology
Background:
- Microscopy of Gram-stained sputum smears is standard for detecting white blood cells (WBC).
- Selecting suitable sputum specimens for culture is crucial for accurate bacteriological examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the leucocyte esterase (LE) strip test with direct microscopy for WBC detection.
- To develop a simple method for selecting sputum specimens for cultural examination.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of LE strip test results with direct microscopy of Gram-stained sputum smears.
- Development of an algorithm for specimen suitability assessment.
Main Results:
- The LE strip test demonstrated efficacy in identifying leucocytes (WBC).
- An algorithm identified 11% of specimens as unsuitable for bacteriological examination.
Conclusions:
- The LE strip test provides a simple alternative to microscopy for screening sputum.
- This technique aids in selecting appropriate specimens for culture, enhancing diagnostic yield.