[The value of proper sputum collection instruction in detection of acid-fast bacillus].

Purpose: This study was conducted to assess clinically whether intervention with instruction applying respiratory rehabilitation method for expectorating sputum was useful or not to obtain more suitable sputum for smear examination of acid-fast bacilli.

Subject: All specimens examined were sputa obtained from 163 patients without the instruction group and 161 patients with the instruction group, who visited our outpatients clinic during one year from September 1, 2000 to August 31, 2001 and the following one year, respectively.

Method: Gross appearance of the sputum according to Miller & Jones' classification (M1, M2, P1-P3) and smear positive rate by fluorescence staining method after N-Acetyl-L-cysteine-NaOH treatment and centrifugation were compared between the two groups.