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Dec 9, 2015Article Details
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Main Article Content
Bone marrow aspirate microscopy v. bone marrow trephine biopsy microscopy for detection of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> infection
Abstract
turnaround time (up to 6 weeks).
Objectives. To identify a potentially faster and more effective diagnostic strategy for disseminated TB.
Methods. A retrospective 18-month review, conducted at a tertiary hospital, comparing histological findings of an auramine O-stained bone marrow aspiration (BMA) smear and a bone marrow trephine (BMT) biopsy specimen with the gold standard of TB culture.
Results. Microscopic examination of BMA smears and BMT biopsy specimens offers a rapid diagnostic strategy, with results available on the same day for the former and within 4 days for the latter. BMT histological examination had a significantly higher detection rate than BMA auramine O staining compared with TB culture.
Conclusion. We recommend that BMT biopsies remain an essential part of the diagnostic work-up for disseminated TB.
