simultaneously eliminating all unwanted microorganisms.

Since mucous is sticky, acid fast bacilli trapped in mucoid

portion of sputum are released by mucolytic action of N-acetyl

L-cysteine. NaOH decontaminates other microorganisms,

and final wash with phosphate buffer ensures that specimen is at optimum pH for staining and culturing. Specimen

pretreatment and disinfection with LYFECTOL increases

relative acid fast bacilli concentration and ensures its more

sensitive detection during acid fast bacilli staining and

culture.

Storage and Stability

1. Store the LYFECTOL kit at 2–8oC, away from light.

2. Stability of the LYFECTOL kit is as per the expiry date

mentioned on the label.

Smear on slides Smear specimen over 1.5 by 1.5

cm area of clear slide

Heat fix smears.Transport in

slide container taped closed and

labeled BIOHAZARD

Sputum 5–10 mL in sterile wax-free

disposable container. Collect an

early morning specimen from

deep, productive cough on at

least 3 consecutive days. Do not

pool specimens. For follow-up

of patients on therapy, collect

at weekly intervals beginning 3

weeks after initiation of therapy

For expectorated sputum,

instruct patient on how to

produce sputum specimen

as distinct from saliva or

nasopharyngeal discharge. Have

patient rinse mouth with water

before collecting sputum to

avoid contaminating specimen

with food particles, mouthwash

or oral drugs, which may inhibit

the growth of mycobacteria.

For induced sputum, use sterile

hypertonic saline. Indicate on

request if specimen is induced

sputum

24 hours pooled specimens;

saliva

Stool > 1 g in sterile, wax-free,