Abstract
To the Editor: Noordhoek et al. (Dec. 30, 1993, issue)1 have raised serious questions1,2 about the reliability of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in clinical specimens. Nevertheless, commercial clinical laboratories continue to promote many PCR assays, even for use by correctional facilities. After a routine medical evaluation at the time of her entry into a state correctional facility, an asymptomatic 28-year-old woman had a 20-mm reaction to a purified-protein-derivative tuberculin skin test (Mantoux method). Her chest roentgenogram was normal. Three sputum specimens were collected on separate days for mycobacterial laboratory studies. Although . . .
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