... amplificationusing the principle of polymerase chain reaction(PCR) has the potential for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in a few hours with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity4. The potential of ... available forcomparison of the performance of the individualtests, an analysis of results was done using a variety of standards. Efficiency of microscopy, culture andPCR in terms of sensitivity, specificity, ... diagnosed as not havingtuberculosis, the PCR profile of the individual hadchanged markedly, suggesting an increase in the bacterial load in the sputum. Only seven of the 17cases i.e. those who took...