AGLV602 BACILOSCOPIA DIRETA

Algetec

About this app

1. OBJECTIVE
In this practical activity, you will learn how the direct smear microscopy technique is performed on sputum samples from patients suspected of having tuberculosis. You will also develop the technical knowledge to interpret the results of this test.


At the end of this experiment, you should be able to:

prepare a slide smear with a sputum sample;

carry out the smear fixation process;

stain the smear using the Ziehl-Neelsen method;

read and interpret the smear under a microscope.

2. WHERE TO USE THESE CONCEPTS?
The direct sputum smear test is of great importance in the diagnosis and evaluation of the treatment of patients with tuberculosis. In Brazil, according to data from the Ministry of Health, 66,819 cases of tuberculosis were registered in 2020. These patients, in most cases, present clinical conditions with severe respiratory compromise.

Knowledge of the execution of the experiment and, mainly, its interpretation is of utmost importance for the biomedical professional. This professional will work in clinical laboratories, carrying out and releasing tuberculosis diagnostic results, helping the clinical staff to speed up decision-making and the initiation of treatment, thus preventing the disease transmission chain.


3. THE EXPERIMENT
In this experiment, you will use the sputum sample to make a smear. This procedure must be carried out with a Bunsen burner lit in front of you, to avoid the formation of aerosols. The process of fixing the smear is done by passing the slide quickly through the flame; Afterwards, the slide must be left at room temperature to cool. Slides with fixed smears must undergo the staining process using the Ziehl-Neelsen method. Finally, the slide is read under the microscope and the analyzed results are interpreted.


4. SECURITY
To perform direct smear microscopy, the following personal protective equipment (PPE) will be used: long-sleeved coat, protective glasses, disposable gloves and mask. This set will guarantee the safety of the professional and avoid possible accidents at work.

The coat will protect the body, avoiding contamination by the study sample. Gloves will guarantee protection against cuts. The glasses and mask will prevent contamination of the professional through exposure to droplets and aerosols that may be formed during the execution of the practical procedure.


5. SCENARIO
The work environment for carrying out this practice must be clean and lit. The laboratory has a structure that includes benches, a refrigerator, a microscope, a gas system for using a Bunsen burner and other materials, such as support for slides, glassware and reagents.