Comparison of two methods for acquisition of sputum samples for diagnosis of suspected tuberculosis in smear-negative or sputum-scarce people: a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sputum obtained either under instruction from a health-care worker or through induction can improve case detection of active tuberculosis. However, the best initial sputum sampling strategy for adults with suspected smear-negative or sputum-scarce tuberculosis in primary care is unclear. We compared these two methods of sample acquisition in such patients.

Methods

In this randomised controlled trial, we enrolled adults (age ≥18 years) with sputum-scarce or smear-negative suspected tuberculosis from three primary care clinics in Cape Town, South Africa. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either health-care worker instruction or induction to obtain sputum samples. Neither patients nor investigators were masked to allocation. The primary outcome was the

SUBMITTER: Peter JG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4632198 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature