Background: Different methods, with varying degrees of specificity and/or sensitivity, are used for diagnosis of sepsis. The present study was designed to determine and compare the sensitivity and specificity of blood culture with Acridine Orange (A.O.) stained smear of buffy coat in patients with sepsis. Material and methods: This research was conducted on 101 hospitalized patients with clinical signs and symptoms compatible with sepsis. Blood cultures were taken and A.O. staining was done on blood samples of all patients. Results: Blood cultures were positive in 20 (19.8%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity of blood cultures were 26% and 92% respectively. A.O. stained smears of buffy coats were positive in 54 (54.5%) patients. Sensitivity and specificity of A.O. Stained smears of buffy coats were 83% and 100% respectively. Conclusion: A.O. stained smear of buffy coat, as a diagnostic test of sepsis is more sensitive than blood culture. In addition, it takes less than one hour to be performed, as compared to blood cultures that give results in 2-3 days.

Keywords: Acridine Orange, Blood culture, Septicemia, Buffy coat.

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