A comparison of sputum examination for acid fast bacilli by modified Schaeffer & Fulton stain, Ziehl-Neelsen stain & cold stain.

A comparative study of Ziehl-Neelsen stain, cold stain and modified Schaeffer and Fulton stain was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of modified Schaeffer and Fulton method in sputum examination for acid fast bacilli (AFB). Of 187 sputum samples studied, 67 (35.82%) were reported positive by Ziehl-Neelsen stain and cold stain method while 66 (35.29%) were reported positive by modified Schaeffer and Fulton method. In comparison with Ziehl-Neelsen staining, 98.58 per cent positivity was reported by modified Schaeffer and Fulton method. Modified Schaeffer and Fulton method is found to be simple, reliable, less expensive and as efficient as Ziehl-Neelsen stain and cold stain for demonstration of acid fast bacilli in sputum.