Evaluation of sputum staining by modified cold method and comparison with Ziehl-Neelsen and fluorochrome methods for the primary diagnosis of tuberculosis.

An improved acid-fast staining technique for sputum examination for the primary diagnosis of tuberculosis is described. The technique was modified and simplified by the elimination of heating and by combining the stages of counterstaining: making the technique easier and safer, with less risk of phenol aerosols. The efficiency of this method was evaluated by comparison with two conventional methods, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and fluorochrome staining; culture was deemed the gold standard for tuberculosis diagnosis.