FREQUENCY OF ACID FAST BACILLI (AFB);

SAMPLES SUBMITTED FOR ZIEHL NEELSON TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) in samples
submitted for Ziehl Neelson (Z.N) Technique. Design: An Observational study. Place and
duration of study: This study was carried out from july 2010 to Dec 2012 at Dept. of Clinical
pathology Main Laboratory Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi. Material &
Method: A total of 5064 samples were received in the department of clinical pathology main
laboratory, JPMC, Karachi during the study period. We determined the presence of AFB in
samples by Z.N Technique. Result: Out of total 5064 samples, 518(10.2%) specimens revealed
the presence of AFB. The samples received were: sputum 4787 (503 positive; 10.5%), pus 56 (01
positive; 1.7%), fluid 118 (no positive), gastric 93 (14 positive; 15%); urine 10 (not positive).
Conclusions:- Lower rate of positivity for Acid Fast Bacilli by Z.N Technique can be increased by
Fluorescence microscopy and culture technique.