title: Bulk staining of sputum by the Ziehl-Neelsen method.
abstract: A trial of the Ziehl-Neelsen staining method employing bulk decolorization, rinsing and counter staining yielded reliable results. Of 110 patients who proved to be positive by direct microscopy, cross-contamination could not be proved in any. The advantage of the mass method is its economy.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*