disposable container

Collect specimen directly into

container or transfer from

bedpan or plastic wrap stretched

over toilet bowl. Wax from

container may produce false

positive smear

Frozen specimen.Utility of

culturing stool for acid-fast

bacilli remains controversial

Contd...

Microbiology and Bacteriology 849

Additional Material Required

Sterile plating loops (10 µL), biosafety hood with

Bunsen burner, centrifuge at 3000–4000 g, activated 2%

glutaraldehyde solution. 5 mL measuring cylinder, vortex

mixer, 1 mL micropipette, 15–25 mL universal container.

Specimen Collection

Collect specimen prior to use of antimicrobial agent.

Wherever possible, indicate clearly that patient is on

antitubercular drugs. Sputum: Collect 5 to 10 mL in a

sterile container from an early morning specimen of

deep productive cough. For induced specimen use sterile

saline. Have patients rinse mouth with water to minimize

specimen contamination with food particles, mouthwash,

or oral drugs.

Procedure

The procedure mentioned below is for 2.5 mL of the

sputum sample. In case of variation in quantity of

specimen used, process using proportionate amounts of

reagent, mucolytic and disinfection reagent.

Preparation of Mucolytic Reagent

The mucolytic reagent must be prepared just prior to use.

1. Bring the reagents to room temperature.

2. Add one scoop full (~12 mg) of reagent B to 2.5 mL of

Reagent A with the provided spatula.

3. Mix to dissolve.