Abstract: Objective To explore an effective way to improve smear positive tuberculosis(TB) case-detection rate through strengthening laboratory sputum examination in health care facilites. Methods According to various firsthand information of TB control in Urumqi,combine with the data from epidemiological random survey for tuberculosis,the performance of laboratory sputum examination and TB case-finding were analysed. Results Since TB control was conducted in Urumqi from 1996 to 2004,the registration rate of smear positive TB increased from 21.17/100000 to 26.53/100000,the detection rate of sputum smear positive,the sputum examination rate of suspect and extermal quality control have reached targets. Conclusion Laboratory sputum examination should be strengthened in health care facility and the capacity of lab technicians should be enhanced.Active case finding and exploring new diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the important ways how to improve case-detection at early stage.

Key words: Pulmonary tuberculosis/prevention and control, Sputum