Abstract
To the Editor: —In reference to a communication inThe Journalof Aug. 23, 1952, page 1595, by Dr. H. W. Wade, statements are made concerning the diagnosis of leprosy. I had found that certain errors in diagnosis of leprosy are made not only because of faulty technique in obtaining material but also because of faulty staining of the smears. The method that gives 100% accurate positive results is as follows: (Hansen's bacilli, being acid-fast, are stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen method, with attention to details, and with modifications.) Within 10 to 20 minutes after smears are obtained fix over the flame of a Bunsen burner, passing three times. Use an unscratched and properly cleaned defatted slide (with ethyl alcohol). After fixation, flood slide with carbolfuchsin and steam (but do not boil) for 10 minutes (not 3 minutes as advised in textbooks). One must turn over the Bunsen burner and flame
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