Abstract
Use of sputum culture for diagnosis of tuberculosis is an inefficient detection technique in a disease of declining prevalence. We found such testing at our 400 bed acute care hospital resulted in less than 2 percent positive when done with prior patient screening. In an effort to minimize detection costs, restrictions requiring that a tuberculin skin test and chest roentgenogram be performed prior to processing the MTB culture were instituted. This resulted in 672 fewer cultures being processed in the trial year, a significant (44 percent) reduction compared to the prior year. At $50.00 per culture, this represents an annual savings of more than $30,000.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
