Same day sputum smear microscopy with an economical destaining step for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

Back ground: Acid fast bacilli (AFB) positivity using modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) staining and jar method was studied in sputum samples obtained by spot morning (SM) and same day (SS2) approaches. Methods: Three specimens (spot, second spot and morning) were collected in 252 patients, duplicate smears were prepared and stained by MZN staining and jar method. Results: Smear positivity was 34 (13.5%) and 33 (13%) for MZN staining and jar method respectively (p>0.99) for the SM approach; and 34 (13.5%) and 32 (12.7%) for MZN staining and jar method (p>0.99) respectively for SS2 approach. Conclusion: Jar method in view of lesser cost and similar diagnostic yielf can be useful for training purposes.