Smear Microscopy

• Smear microscopy is the most inexpensive test for determining whether a person has infectious TB as it can identify those with high bacillary loads who are most likely transmitting TB.


• Microscopic examination of stained sputum is feasible in nearly all settings.


• Repeated sputum smear microscopy may diagnose PTB in up to two-thirds of active cases.


• Fluorescence microscopy (FM), is recommended by WHO (REF) and improves sensitivity by approximately 10% and can be done more quickly