Yield of AFB by direct sputum smear examination with bronchial washings and post bronchoscopy sputum smear examination

Background and objectives: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the yield of AFB by direct sputum smear examination with Bronchial Washings and Post Bronchoscopy sputum smear examination. Materials and methods: This prospective study was conducted on 100 patients with suspected pulmonary TB October 2015 – September 2017 at S.V.S Medical College, Mahabubnagar. Results: Out of 100 clinically suspected, sputum smear negative cases, 38 cases were diagnosed as active pulmonary tuberculosis. Bronchial washings for AFB smear was positive in 32/100 (32%) of cases and post bronchoscopic sputum smear was positive in 16/100 (16%) of cases. Both bronchial washings and post bronchoscopic sputum smear for AFB was positive in 10 (10%) of cases. 4/16 additional cases are diagnosed by post bronchoscopic sputum smear over the bronchial washings. Total yield of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of sputum negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis was 38.00% of which bronchial washing smear samples are superior in the diagnosis and is contributed to 32% . Conclusion: It has shown that additional yield of 38% more than direct sputum smear examination, which helps to initiate early treatment of tuberculosis.