Abstract: Objective To analyze the situation of sputum smear spots in Urumchi, and to explore the measures for the next step. Methods Data from sputum examination register and quality control of sputum examination were collected and evaluated. Results Twenty-nine township sputum smear sites were set up in Urumchi in 2006. 20 058 smears had been examined till the end of 2008, with 869 smear positive smears. 563 smears were examined in township sputum smear sites with 46 positive smears. The smear positive rates were from 5.3％ to 40.3％ at different levels, with the highest at provincial level and the lowest at township level. 2 693 smears were selected for quality control, and 15 had qualitative errors.  Conclusion s Sputum smear site should be set up in non-tuberculosis institutions under county level or community health centers. The tuberculosis control and prevention institutions should carry out monitoring and quality control to ensure the quality of sputum smear.

Key words: tuberculosis,pulmonary/microbiology, sputum/microbiologyMycobacterium tuberculosis, quality control, Urumchi city