Abstract: Objective  To compare laboratory cost of smear microscopy using Ziehl-Neelsen(Z-N) method and fluorescent staining and light-emitting diode fluorescence microscope (LED) method.  Methods  Laboratory direct and indirect cost related to smear microscopy examination were collected from six county laboratories, based on 3 times examination, comparison of the average cost of smear microscopy between two methods was made.  t test and F test was performed to assess the significance of the difference between the means of two samples  and multi-samples. The P <0.05 is considered statistical significance.  Results  The mean cost of a smear examination with Z-N and LED were RMB (14.98±3.94) Yuan and (13.27±4.83) Yuan respectively (t=5.084, P=0.001). The range of cost of 6 laboratories is RMB 9.44－17.82 Yuan for Z-N  and 7.80－18.93 Yuan  for LED.  Conclusion  Cost of a smear examination with LED is lower than that with Z-N, therefore worth of promotion from cost of view. 

Key words: Microscopy,fluorescence, Sputum, Costs and cost analysis