“Comparison of Diagnostic Yield of Induced Sputum Using 3% Hypertonic Saline Nebulisation Vs 7% Hypertonic Saline Nebulisation in Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis”

Abstract

Presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis is a major diagnostic challenge in global health, especially in regions with high disease prevalence rate and limited healthcare resources. Highlighting the need for precise and timely diagnosis to effectively manage and control the spread of disease [1]. In settings where advanced diagnostic tools are limited, induced sputum examination becomes crucial. This method helps collect respiratory samples from people who can’t expectorate sputum spontaneously, thereby facilitating the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis[2]. Hypertonic saline nebulization is most widely utilised technique to induce sputum. By inhaling a hypertonic saline solution, patients can efficiently mobilize secretions from the lower respiratory tract, thus streamlining the collection of sputum samples for diagnostic evaluation[3]. Despite its widespread application, a consensus regarding the optimal concentration of hypertonic saline for sputum induction in presumptive TB cases remains elusive.