MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Ideally, two or three sputum samples should be collected on consecutive mornings. The sensitivity of a single smear microscopy is 22–43%, with a mean incremental yield in sensitivity of 9% with a second sample and 4% with a third sample.

Detailed explanation-2: -Several studies have shown that three serial sputum smear examination is ideal for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis cases. The samples may vary from three consecutive early morning samples or SMS samples as a part of DOTS strategy.

Detailed explanation-3: -Collect 3 sputum specimens on 3 consecutive days unless otherwise instructed. Specimens should be kept in the refrigerator until they are submitted to the laboratory. To reduce the likelihood of transmission, patients are encouraged to collect sputum specimens outdoors when possible and away from other people.

Detailed explanation-4: -The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that two sputum examinations be performed during treatment follow-up of tuberculosis (TB) patients and that a positive result in any one of the samples be considered smear-positive.

Detailed explanation-5: -Spit the sputum into the plastic cup. Keep doing this until the sputum reaches the 5 ml line (or more) on the plastic cup. This is about 1 teaspoon of sputum. Screw the cap on the cup tightly so it doesn’t leak.