2 research outputs found
Use Of Leucocyte-Esterase As A Means Of Testing Suitability Of Sputum Specimens For Laboratory Examination
The study has strived to compare the leucocyte-esterase stripe activity
on sputum samples with gram-stained direct smear microscopy. This is
for the demonstration of white blood cells (WBCs) and so to develop a
simple method for selecting suitable sputum samples for cultural
examination and laboratory diagnosis. A total of 17(34.0%) out of 50
samples studied were shown to be unsuitable for microbiological
examination and for identification of mycobacterial infection. Sputa of
patients between the ages of 20-29 years old were found to be more
positive by demonstrating more WBCs and squamous epithelial cells
(SECs). We believe this technique should offer an alternative to the
conventional direct smear microscopy used for examining patient's sputa
in our hospital laboratories