What is a skin Smear?
A skin smear
is a test in which a sample of material is collected from a
tiny cut in the skin and then stained for M. leprae, an
acid-fast bacillus that causes leprosy. This test is done for:
Confirming
diagnosis of multi-bacillary leprosy in a suspect
To help in
diagnosis of relapse of leprosy
To help with
classification of new patients
Taking
skin-smear is an invasive procedure. Wash your hands, wear
gloves and use sterilised equipment and a new blade for each
patient.
