Thorax
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the diagnostic yields of disposable and reusable cytology brushes in fibreoptic bronchoscopy.
Disposable rake and reusable bristle type cytology brushes have been compared in 50 patients undergoing fibreoptic bronchoscopy for suspected malignancy. Forty seven patients were eventually found to have carcinoma of the bronchus. ⋯ The reusable brush is about five times less expensive per procedure but carries a risk of cross contamination and cross infection, and time is needed to clean the brush after each bronchoscopy. The diagnostic yield appears to be at least as good with the disposable brush.