Comparison of Variants of Carbol Fuchsin & Phenol in Ziehl Neelsen Staining to Detect AFB

Introduction: Sputum smear microscopy is the mainstay in the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Ziehl Neelsen staining is popularly used smear microscopy techniques. Method: We evaluated the use of 0.1% Basic Fuchsin, 5% phenol containing primary staining reagent (Solution ‘A’) and 0.1% Basic Fuchsin, 7.5% phenol (Solution ‘B’) in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Results are compared with standard. Results: Out of 196 sputum samples smear positivity were 9.7%, 7.6% and 9.2% respectively with standard method and Solution ‘A’ and Solution ‘B’. Conclusion: Even though with some reduction in expenditure, reagents concentrations should not be altered.