Comparison of front-loading versus spot morning sputum microscopy approach among suspected pulmonary tuberculosis cases in tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand.

Purpose: Comparative evaluation of front loading sputum microscopic approach versus standard Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) spot morning approach for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods: All cases coming to the designated microscopy centre, Microbiology in this tertiary care centre with presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled for the study population after taking informed consent. The sputum sample collection, staining and reporting were done according to standard RNTCP guidelines.

Results: This study shows the probable non-inferiority of the frontloading sputum smear microscopy over the standard RNTCP approach.

Conclusion: The front loading smear microscopy could be considered a suitable alternate to standard RNTCP approach in an area with high drop out during diagnostic testing pathway.