Comparative value of Dapsone "spot test" and Dapsone "tile test" in leprosy control programme.
The sensitivity of Dapsone "spot test" with modified Ehrlich's reagent (Balakrishnan, 1968) and Dapsone "tile test" using Barton-Marshall reagents (Irudayraj, 1981)--both being qualitative tests for screening of dapsone in urine are compared with Dapsone/creatinine ratio--a quantitative test (Ellard, 1974). 316 urine samples were processed by paramedical worker in the fields for Dapsone "Tile test" and Dapsone "Spot test". The same samples were brought to the laboratory and subjected to these two tests besides Dapsone/creatinine estimation. These three tests correlated well at the level of 91%. The results obtained by paramedical workers and experienced worker at the laboratory are also showed 97% concordance. An earlier investigations revealed that monitoring through frequent and surprise check-up of urines for drug content (4-5 samples/year/patient) and subsequent motivation and persuation of leprosy patient, the irregularity rate of drug consumption by patient could be brought down from 36% to 17% in one year. The kit for performing DDS "spot test" and DDS "tile test" being light and easy to carry in the field and the tests being simple to perform with reliable results. This procedure is recommended to be applied in the field on a mass scale. The routine frequent and surprise checking of urine for drug content will give early idea about irregularity status of drug consumption by patients as compared to the judgement relying on clinical assessment and reduction of bacteriological index of infectious patients.
D003124:Colorimetry; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D003622:Dapsone / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007918:Leprosy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000652:urine*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012651:Self Medication
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D003622:Dapsone; D003404:Creatinine