title: Direct examination of unstained smears for the evaluation of sputum specimens.
abstract: We compared examination of unstained and Gram-stained smears as methods of evaluating sputum quality. Of 100 slides examined, 96 (96%) were graded identically. Each discrepancy between methods was near the cutoff for specimen acceptability. We concluded that examination of unstained smears can provide an accurate, cost-effective sputum screening method.
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005840:Gentian Violet; D006801:Humans; D010619:Phenazines; D011786:Quality Control; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology*
chemical_list: C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D005840:Gentian Violet