Follow-up schedule for sputum collection and smear examinations for sputum positive TB patients.

Two sputum samples are to be collected, one as early morning and the other as spot sample. (Source: Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme’s Revised Module 1–4, April 2011).*The intensive Phase is extended by four weeks (12 doses) in initially smear positive PTB patients who continue to be positive at the end of the 2 months of IP.#Early morning and spot specimens will be collected on this day.**The numbers during the IP represent doses of anti-TB drugs, wheras during the CP they represent weekly blister packs of anti-TB drugs.Note: For “New” patients, the intensive phase lasts for two months (8 weeks, 24 doses) and is followed by the continuation phase of four months (18 weekly blister packs, 54 doses). For “Previously Treated” patients, the intensive phase consists of two months (8 weeks, 24 doses), followed by one month (4 weeks, 12 doses) and then the continuation phase of five months (22 weekly blister packs,66 doses). The doses are given thrice a week on alternate days.