To conclude, the objective of adapting different types

of technology and instruments is to shorten the times

for isolation, identification and susceptibility testing of

bacteria and other microorganisms has been particularly

relevant for mycobacteria. Hopefully, alternative methods

to the standard procedures now used, could be developed

soon enough for routine use, to provide cultures and

susceptibility information in a shorter time interval.

Till such time the AFB staining, culture and sensitivity

remain the gold standard for accurate and early diagnosis

of tuberculosis, improvements and standardization of

techniques for these classical methods is important for

better laboratory diagnosis and clinical information

support. Significant cost savings might be effected by a

reduction in hospitalization and return of the patient to a

productive career.

Troubleshooting LB

Problem: Growth not obtained on LJ control slant after diluting the culture suspense to 1:10000 of the Standard 0.5 McFarland turbidity

Possible causes Solutions

1. During scraping of culture growth, the Select only the cultural colony without scraping the media (egg yolk base)

media (egg yolk base) is being scrapped

which gives turbidity matching standard

0.5 McFarland

Contd...

Microbiology and Bacteriology 863

Problem: Collapse of slants

Possible causes Solutions

1. Improper transportation, i.e. kits Discard the slant and use fresh slant for testing

subjected to violent jerks and vibrations

or not handled with care during storage,

shipping and incubation

2. Contaminated slants If the slants are found contaminated because of various reasons, discard the slants and use

fresh slants to perform the test

3. Contaminated untreated sputum sample Pretreat sputum sample prior to inoculation

used

IN DETERMINATION OF ADENOSINE DEAMINASE ACTIVITY IN SERUM, PLASMA AND

BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS

Courtesy: Tulip Group of Companies

ADA-MTB®