M. CHANDRASEKAR, SHERAFIN JANCY VINCY AND P. VENKATESAN
Abstract
Panel test (PT) slides can be prepared by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or N-acetyl-L-Cysteine (NALC) sputum digestion method. To acquire the required quality for preparation of PT slides a new improved method is still needed. Bleach (5"/0 Sodium hypoclorite) kills the bacilli without altering their morphology and has the ability to digest the mucus. Ammonium Sulphate acts as a strong sedimentation agent. Hence, in the present study, Bleach Ammonium sulphate (BAS) reagent was used for the preparation of panel test (PT) slides. A total of 1250 slides in 10 batches were prepared as per the International guidelines. 300 slides were randomly selected and Screened. Statistical analysis of results revealed Standard deviation (SD) for 3+, 2+, 1+, scanty grades as 2, 1, 10, 2 respectively. Mean-2 SD and Mean+2 SD were calculated, when compared with standard consistency table found to be within the limit and TRUE for all 10 batches. These results suggest BAS as alternate suitable sedimentation method for the preparation of PT slides.