Tuberc Respir Dis.  1980 Dec;27(4):155-158. 10.4046/trd.1980.27.4.155.

Evaluation of Smear Microscopy Skill of Health Center Microscopists

• KMID: 2528873
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1980.27.4.155

Abstract

The direct sputum microscopy readings has been used since 1962 for the discovery of the infectious cases and case-management of tuberculosis in Korea, where the prevalence of tuberculosis relatively high yet. To maintain a high level of efficiency and accuracy, it is important to conduct periodical evaluation of the reading ability of microscopists. We carried out the evaluation of the reading ability of 41 health center microscopists in Kangwan, Kyonggi and Cheju provinces. The reading ability of microscopists had improved considerably annually, as seen in table 6. The results of evaluation showed 3.9% of under-reding (false negative) and 2.4% of over-reading rates (false positive). It was a very obvious fact that the licensed and initially trained microscopists performed much better than the opposite cases, as indicated in tables 3 & 4. Training (initial and refresher) would be most essential and important for obtaining and maintaining a high technical level. Especally, we are very emphatic that it is imperative and indispensable to carry out a regular checking of sputum examination results and routine work by a technical supervisor.