Design and analysis of a burst strength device for testing vascular grafts.

The design and analysis of a device to measure the burst strength (strength under a state of pure radial internal pressure) and compliance of vascular grafts and flexible pressurized tubes is presented. The device comprises three main sections, viz., a clean air-dry pressure controller, a test specimen holder, and automated software for control and data collection. Air pressure is controlled by means of a valve and a dedicated mechanism allowing reaching up to 120 psi in increments of 1 psi, and recording pressure changes with 0.04 psi resolution. The circumferential strain is determined by measuring the radial displacement of the vascular graft using an optical arrangement capable of determining a maximum radial displacement of 10 mm with 0.02 mm resolution. The instrument provides a low uncertainty in compliance (±0.32%/100 mm Hg-1) and burst strength measurements. Due to its simplicity, the device can easily be reproduced in other laboratories contributing to a dedicated instrument with high resolution at low cost. The reliability of the apparatus is further confirmed by conducting finite element analysis, elasticity solutions for pressurized cylinders, and testing of small diameter vascular grafts made of a commercial aliphatic polyurethane tested under radial internal pressure.

Prediction of circumferential compliance and burst strength of polymeric vascular grafts.

The circumferential compliance and burst strength of vascular grafts are predicted through the conically modified von Mises and elasticity theories, providing an analytical closed form solution for both parameters. Besides the graft's radii, the model for circumferential compliance depends solely on the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the polymer material, and its accuracy was verified by finite element analysis and measurements. The analytical expression of the burst strength requires accurate determination of the material's tensile and compressive yield stress, which were carefully obtained by using digital image correlation measurements in uniaxial tensile and compressive tests of the constitutive material. The average measured circumferential compliance and burst strength of an 8mm graft made of a commonly used biomaterial, Tecoflex® SG-80A, are 1.05%/100mmHg-1 and 34.1psi (1763mmHg) and the proposed analytical predictions fall within the experimental scattering. Thus, it is shown that the circumferential compliance and burst strength of vascular grafts can be analytically predicted by knowing the elastic and yield material properties accurately, without needing to actually test the graft under radial pressure. This is a major advantage which can aid in the design and tailoring of vascular grafts.

Cystic fibrosis - Comparison between patients in paediatric and adult age.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disease in Caucasians. Although most cases are diagnosed in childhood, diagnosis in adults is apparently increasing. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the adult population with CF, comparing patients who were diagnosed before and after 18 years of age. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients followed in three main medical centres in Portugal in 2012. Comparison of two groups: G1 - patients diagnosed at <18 years and G2 - patients diagnosed at ≥18 years. RESULTS: 89 adults were identified: 61.8% in G1, 38.2% in G2. Gender distribution was similar in both groups. Average age in G2 was higher (38.3±8.4 vs. 26.8±6.1 years, p<0.001). Respiratory symptoms most frequently led to CF diagnosis in all patients, mainly in adulthood. There was a greater percentage of patients homozygous for the mutation delF508 in G1 (43.6 vs. 8.8%, p=0.02). Respiratory and pancreatic function, and body mass index (BMI) showed a higher severity in G1 (G1 vs. G2: FEV1: 54.6±27.3 vs. 29.9±64.6%, p=0.177; pancreatic insufficiency 72.7 vs. 26.5%, p<0.001; BMI 20.2±3.4 vs. 22.2±4.8, p=0.018). Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. Lung transplantation rate was higher in G2 (20.6 vs. 10.9%, p=0.231) while mortality rate was higher in G1 (0 vs. 3.6%, p=0.261). Hospital admission rate was higher in G1 as well as mortality rate. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that patients with CF diagnosed in childhood have characteristics that distinguish them from those diagnosed in adulthood, and these differences may have implications for diagnosis, prognosis and life expectancy.

Cystic fibrosis - characterization of the adult population in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of cystic fibrosis (CF) in Portugal is estimated at 1:8000 live births, although there is a lack of accurate statistics. The average life expectancy has been steadily increasing and CF is no longer an exclusively pediatric disease. OBJECTIVES: Characterize the Portuguese adult population with the diagnosis of CF. METHODS: Retrospective study based on clinical data of adult CF follow-up patients in the three specialized centers in Portugal where all of CF patients are seen, during 2012. RESULTS: In 2012, there were 89 follow-up patients, 48 (54%) female and 15 (17%) lung transplanted. The average age was 31.3±9 years. The median age at diagnosis was 13 years and 34 (38%) were diagnosed in adulthood. The most frequent mutation was F508del (54.9%). Of the 89 patients, 49 patients (56%) had pancreatic insufficiency, 7 (9%) were diabetic and 42 patients (47.7%) had a body mass index (BMI) <20kg/m(2). As to ventilatory function, the average value of the forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) was 58.45±28.59%. Only one of 77 patients did not have chronic airway infection. The most commonly isolated germ was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in 49 patients (55%). During 2012, two patients (2.2%) died at the ages of 21 and 36 years. DISCUSSION: This study is the first description of the Portuguese adult CF population, which is particularly important since it can give us a better understanding of the real situation. A significant percentage of these patients were diagnosed in adulthood, which highlights the need for diagnostic suspicion in a patient with chronic lung disease and atypical manifestations.

Hallazgos radiográficos de connotación endodóntica utilizando tomografía computarizada de haz cónico / Radiographic findings of endodontic connotation using cone beam computed tomography

En la práctica de la odontología, la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC) ha sido utilizada en la indicación de implantes y cirugía maxilofacial. En endodoncia, ya ha comenzado su uso, por la posibilidad de conocer las tres dimensiones del diente. Este estudio busca determinar la frecuencia de las diferentes condiciones patológicas más prevalentes en endodoncia, mediante el uso de TCHC, para lo cual se identificaron y cuantificaron hallazgos radiográficos de connotación endodóntica en 128 TCHC en pacientes chilenos entre 7 y 78 años, de ambos sexos, evaluando un total de 1.213 dientes. Las imágenes fueron obtenidas por un equipo SkyView 3D TCHC PanoramicImager(R) 12 bits (MyRay, Imola, Italia), con una exposición de 90 Kvp, 10 mA y observadas mediante el software Skyview viewer manager ver 1.2.0.6 MyRay por 2 observadores previamente calibrados. Se observaron los dientes de manera independiente, en los ejes sagital, coronal y axial con un intervalo de corte de 0,5mm. Los datos se introdujeron en la versión 17.0 del paquete estadístico SPSS(R) para Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) para su análisis. Los hallazgos de connotación endodóntica fueron: lesión apical, terapia endodóntica realizada, taurodontismo, canales accesorios, dilaceraciones, ápices abiertos, reabsorción interna, reabsorción externa apical y cervical. Se encontró asociación significativa entre la presencia de lesiones apicales y dientes endodónticamente tratados (p= 0,00) (AU)

In the practice of dentistry, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been used in the indication of implants and maxillofacial surgery. In endodontics its use has already begun, because of the possibility to learn the three dimensions of the tooth. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of various conditions that are the most prevalent in endodontics, using CBCT, for which they were identified and quantified radiographic findings of endodontic connotation in 128 CBCT in Chilean patients between 7 and 78 years old, of both sexes, evaluating a total of 1213 teeth. The images were obtained by SkyView 3D Panoramic CBCT Imager(R) 12 bits (MyRay, Imola, Italy),with an exposure of 90 Kvp, 10 mA and observed by software Skyview viewer manager ver 1.2.0.6 MyRay by two previously calibrated observers. Teeth were observed in the sagittal, coronal and axial axes with a cutting interval of 0.5 mm. "The data was introduced into" SPSS Statistics package for Windows, version 17.0) (SPSSInc., Chicago, IL) for analysis. The findings of endodontic connotation were: apical lesion, endodontic therapy performed, taurodontism, accessory canals, dilacerations, open apices, internal resorption, cervical and apical external resorption). Significant association between the presence of endodontically treated teeth and apical lesions (p= 0.00) was Found (AU)

New advances in the therapy of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis remains a common and important respiratory disease to date. It is a chronic pathology and consequently the patients usually require continuous treatment. In recent decades therapies that do not have scientific evidence of their benefits have been commonly used in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Cystic fibrosis has provided the experience to extrapolate therapeutic approaches to other bronchiectasis patients. Finally, in the last few years some trials have been carried out specifically in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis which aim to assess the efficacy of some of the treatments which are commonly used but sometimes without clear indication. This review will discuss the recent results from these trials, namely mucoactive, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy. Several trials are ongoing and we hope they will be able to add clarification to the management of these patients.

Dynamics of carbon nanotube alignment by electric fields.

The dynamics of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) alignment inside viscous media using electric fields is investigated. Electrical current measurements were performed in situ during the application of an electric field to liquid solutions of deionized water or dissolved polymer containing MWCNTs. The variation of electrical current over time was associated to the dynamics of the MWCNT network formation. The influence of the electric field magnitude and frequency on the MWCNT network formation was studied. MWCNT migration towards the negative electrode was observed when a direct current electric field was applied, whereas formation of an aligned MWCNT network was achieved for an alternating current electric field. The increase of the electric field frequency promotes a faster formation of an aligned MWCNT network and thinner MWCNT bundles. A higher viscosity of the liquid medium yields slower MWCNT alignment evidenced by a slower change of electrical current through the viscous system. An analytical model based on the dielectrophoresis-induced torque, which considers the viscosity of the medium, is also proposed to explain the dynamics of MWCNT alignment. Furthermore, aligned MWCNT/polysulfone solid composites were fabricated and electrically characterized. The solid composites presented anisotropic electrical conductivity, which was more evident for low MWCNT concentrations (0.1-0.2 wt%).

Deciduoid pleural mesothelioma--a rare entity in a young woman.

Deciduoid Mesothelioma is a rare variant of epithelioid mesothelioma; it was initially thought that it only occurred in the peritoneum of young women and had nothing to do with asbestos exposure. However, since these early findings it has also been observed in the pleura and the pericardium, with possible association to asbestos. In general the prognosis is poor compared to epithelioid mesothelioma. 45 cases have been reported in the literature up to now, 22 of these were located in the pleural cavity. The authors describe a case of deciduoid pleural mesothelioma in a 40-year-old-woman who presented with right pleuritic chest pain, with no history of asbestos exposure, treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery and who died postoperatively.

Incontinencia urinaria neurógena: tratamiento quirúrgico / Neurogena incontinence urinary: surgical treatment

Entre 1984 y 1996, hemos atendido 263 niños con edades compredidas entre 3 meses y 18 años, portadores de vejiga neurogénica en su mayoría (91,81 por ciento) de origen congénito. De ellos, 213 (80,98 por ciento) presentaban incontinencia urinaria y en 22 (10,33 por ciento) fue necesario recurrir a la cirugía por fracasar el tratamiento conservador. En 14 casos realizamos una cistoplastia de aumento combinada con implante de esfínter artificial en 7 y con reimplante ureteral en 4. El esfínter artificial aislado se colocó en 2 pacientes y un tercero se trató con una cincha aponeurótica. En 2 pacientes se realizó una plastia de cuello vesical y finalmente en 3 procedimos a una derivación continente tipo mitrofanoff. Uno de los esfínteres no ha funcionado adecuadamente. Todos los demás pacientes están secos al menos por 3 horas aunque una de las derivaciones tiene pérdidas ocasionales

Incontinencia urinaria neurógena: tratamiento médico / Neurogena incontinence urinary: medical treatment

Entre 1984 y 1996 hemos estudiado 263 niños con edades entre 3 meses y 18 años, portadores de vejiga neurogénica, la mayoría (91,81 por ciento) de orígen congénito. De este grupo, 213 (80,98 por ciento) sufrían incontinencia urinaria acompañada en 123 (57,75 por ciento) de infección. En 169 (79,34 por ciento) existía hiperreflexia del detrusor y en 107 (50,32 por ciento) hipertonía del esfínter coexistiendo ambos problemas en 50 (23,47 por ciento). En 18 casos (8,92 por ciento) no se instaló tratamiento médico en razón de la edad o mínima lesión. El resto 194 (91,08 por ciento) fue tratado en forma conservadora: 54 (27,45 por ciento) con fármacos, 47 (23,76 por ciento) con cateterismo intermitente y 96 (48,77 por ciento) con ambos métodos. Tan solo 164 pacientes (62,26 por ciento) tienen control al menos de 1 año y alrededor de la mitad cumple irregularmente. En 105 (64,23 por ciento) el estado actual es satisfactorio, en 38 (23,36 por ciento) regular y en 21 (12,40 por ciento) malo

Detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis in paraffin-embedded pleural biopsy specimens by commercial ribosomal RNA and DNA amplification kits.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of two gene amplification systems in historical paraffin-embedded pleural biopsy (PEB) tissues from patients with pleural tuberculosis, and to compare the results to those obtained with conventional histologic and microbiological methods. DESIGN: A retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-four formalin-fixed PEB tissues collected and stored over 12 years (1984 through 1995) were retrieved. Gene amplifications were performed in 57 tissues from patients with diagnoses of pleural tuberculosis and in 17 from patients with carcinoma as controls, using the first version of the Amplified Mycobacterium tuberculosis Direct Test (AMTDT; Gen-Probe; San Diego, CA) and the LCx Mycobacterium tuberculosis Assay (LCxMTB; Abbott Laboratories; Abbott Park, IL). RESULTS: The sensitivities of the AMTDT and LCxMTB were 52.6% and 63.2%, respectively (p = not statistically significant). The specificity of both tests was 100%. Twenty tissue samples (35.1%) were positive by both systems, and 10 tissues (17.5%) were positive only by the AMTDT, while 16 tissues (28.1%) were positive only by the LCxMTB. Both tests gave negative results for 11 specimens (19.3%). When both tests were used, a positive diagnosis was achieved in 80.7% of the samples. Diagnosis of 73.7% of patient conditions had previously been made by smear examination of pleural biopsy and sputum, pleural liquid, or biopsy culture. The overall diagnostic yield with both culture and amplification techniques was 96.5% (55 of 57 patients) for pleural tuberculosis, with amplification techniques adding 22.8% of the diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Amplification techniques are useful in archival PEB tissues, providing additional diagnoses beyond culturing, although the sensitivity should be improved, possibly by standardizing protocols.

[Negative effect of the components of the lysis-centrifugation system in the growth of mycobacteria in MGIT and Septi-Chek AFB liquid media]. / Efecto negativo de los componentes del sistema lisis-centrifugación en el crecimiento de micobacterias en los medios líquidos MGIT y Septi-Chek AFB.

BACKGROUND: The lysis-centrifugation system (Isolator system) is a technique with excellent results in the recovery of mycobacteria from blood specimens. This system consists mainly of saponin (SAP), polypropylenglycol (PPG), and sodium polianthol sulfonate (SPS). The objective of this work was to determine the effect of SAP, PPG, and SPS on the growth of Mycobacterium avium, M. kansasii, M. tuberculosis, and M. xenopi in fluid culture media MGIT and Septi-Chek AFB. METHODS: Two concentrations each of SAP, PPG, and SPS were prepared, and were added in 0.1 ml amounts (alone, in pairs and in combination) to fluid media MGIT and Septi-Chek AFB. Fluid culture media were then in individually inoculated with two different concentrations (10(3) and 10(5) CFU/ml) of each of the four mycobacterial strains used in this study. Culture media were incubated at 37 degrees C and were checked for growth daily. RESULTS: SAP, PPG, and SPS did not inhibit growth of mycobacteria but growth of these strains was indeed retarded (a lengthier time was required for detection of bacterial growth compared with the positive control). Final concentrations of SAP, PPG, and SPS which retarded mycobacterial growth varied, depending upon species, mycobacterial inoculum size, and fluid culture media used. CONCLUSIONS: Components included in the lysy-centrifugation system (SAP, PPG, and SPS), either alone or in combination retarded growth of M. avium, M. kansasii, M. tuberculosis, and M. xenopi in 10(3) and 10(5) CFU/ml concentrations in fluid culture media MGIT and Septi-Chek AFB. These results suggest that strategies should be adopted to decrease the concentrations of these three components, present in the sediment of the processed blood by the Isolator System, which eventually are going to be added to fluid media MGIT and Septi-Check AFB.

Comparative evaluation of two commercial assays for direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in respiratory specimens.

Two commercial systems for the amplification and detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly from respiratory samples were compared. The Roche Cobas Amplicor MTB Test and the Roche manual Amplicor MTB Test (Roche Diagnostic Systems, USA) were applied to 755 decontaminated respiratory specimens collected from 470 patients. Results were compared with those of acid-fast staining and culture. A total of 251 specimens were collected from 156 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, including 28 specimens corresponding to 13 patients that were receiving antituberculous treatment. Given the overall positivity rate of 33.2% (251/755), the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 92.4, 100, 100, and 96.5%, respectively, for the Cobas Amplicor MTB Test and 90.8, 100, 100, and 95.8%, respectively, for the Amplicor MTB Test. For 204 (81.3%) smear positive specimens and 47 (19.7%) smear negative specimens, the sensitivity values were 100 and 59.6%, respectively, for the Cobas Amplicor MTB Test and 100 and 51%, respectively, for the Amplicor MTB Test. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity or specificity between the two assays and culture (p>0.05). The overall results of both assays were concordant for 99.5% of the samples. It is concluded that although both nucleic acid amplification methods are rapid and specific for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in respiratory specimens, the Cobas Amplicor MTB Test appears to be slightly more sensitive than the Amplicor MTB Test when smear negative specimens are investigated.

Evaluation of a commercial probe assay for detection of rifampin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly from respiratory and nonrespiratory clinical samples.

A commercial assay (Inno-Line Probe Assay; Innogenetics, Belgium) was evaluated to determine its ability to detect rifampin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly from clinical specimens. Fifty-nine selected specimens (42 respiratory and 17 nonrespiratory) culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were tested along with their corresponding isolates in culture. The results were compared with those obtained by in vitro susceptibility testing. The results of the line probe assay to detect rifampin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis present in clinical specimens and in cultured isolates were concordant for 58 of 59 (98.3%) isolates (95% confidence limits = 90.9-99.9%). The line probe assay failed only once, when a fecal specimen was tested; no amplification was observed due to the presence of inhibitory compounds. The most frequently observed mutation was His526-->Asp (58.7%), followed by the His526-->Tyr (23.9%); together, they represented 82.6% of rifampin-resistant samples. In conclusion, the Inno-Line Probe Assay is a rapid, useful method for detecting the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and its resistance to rifampin directly from clinical specimens and culture. Moreover, since rifampin resistance is a potential marker for multidrug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, this assay may constitute an important tool for the control of tuberculosis.

Rapid diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis by ligase chain reaction amplification.

A rapid amplification-based test for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, the LCx Mycobacterium tuberculosis Assay from Abbott Laboratories, was evaluated. Results from the LCx M. tuberculosis Assay were compared with those from culture and the final clinical diagnosis for each patient. A total of 526 nonrespiratory specimens from 492 patients were tested. The specimens included urine; feces; lymph node exudates; pleural, cerebrospinal, articular, and ascitic fluids; tissue biopsies; gastric aspirates; purulent exudates; blood; and bone marrow aspirates. After combination of the culture results and the patient's clinical data, a total of 135 specimens were collected from 122 patients with a diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the LCx M. tuberculosis Assay were 77.7, 98.7, 95.2, and 93.1%, respectively; these values rose in resolved cases of TB to 78.5, 100, 100, and 93.1%, respectively. For 37 (27.4%) specimens from patients smear positive for the disease and 98 (72.6%) specimens from patients smear negative for the disease, the sensitivities of the LCx M. tuberculosis Assay were 100 and 71.1%, respectively. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) in sensitivities were found between culture and the LCx M. tuberculosis Assay. These differences were even greater among smear-negative specimens. The results demonstrate that the LCx M. tuberculosis Assay will provide rapid and valuable information for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Comparative evaluation of initial and new versions of the Gen-Probe Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test for direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens.

We evaluated the initial version of the Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test (Gen-Probe) (AMTDT 1) and the new version of AMTDT (AMTDT 2) for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly from respiratory and nonrespiratory samples and compared the results with those of culture and staining methods. The assays were applied to 410 respiratory and 272 nonrespiratory samples collected from 515 patients. The combination of the culture results and clinical diagnosis was considered to be the "gold standard." Ninety-five respiratory specimens were collected from 67 patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and 68 nonrespiratory specimens were collected from 61 patients with a diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB. With respiratory specimens, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 83, 100, 100, and 96%, respectively, for AMTDT 1 and 94.7, 100, 100, and 98.4%, respectively, for AMTDT 2. With nonrespiratory specimens, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 83, 100, 100, and 94%, respectively, for AMTDT 1 and 86.8, 100, 100, and 98.4%, respectively, for AMTDT 2. The overall results of AMTDT 1 and AMTDT 2 were concordant for 97% (661 of 682) of the samples. Statistically significant differences in sensitivities were found between AMTDT 1 and AMTDT 2 with respiratory specimens. It was concluded that although both nucleic acid amplification methods are rapid, sensitive, and specific for the detection of M. tuberculosis complex in all types of clinical samples, AMTDT 2 appeared to be more sensitive than AMTDT 1 when applied to smear-negative specimens. In contrast AMTDT 2 is more susceptible than AMTDT 1 to inhibitory substances in the amplification reaction. The turnaround time of AMTDT 2 is shorter (3.5 h) than that for AMTDT 1 (5 h).

Comparative study of bacteremias caused by Enterococcus spp. with and without high-level resistance to gentamicin. The Grupo Andaluz para el estudio de las Enfermedades Infecciosas.

A prospective, multicenter study was carried out over a period of 10 months. All patients with clinically significant bacteremia caused by Enterococcus spp. were included. The epidemiological, microbiological, clinical, and prognostic features and the relationship of these features to the presence of high-level resistance to gentamicin (HLRG) were studied. Ninety-three patients with enterococcal bacteremia were included, and 31 of these cases were caused by HLRG (33%). The multivariate analysis selected chronic renal failure, intensive care unit stay, previous use of antimicrobial agents, and Enterococcus faecalis species as the independent risk factors that influenced the development of HLRG. The strains with HLRG showed lower levels of susceptibility to penicillin and ciprofloxacin. Clinical features (except for chronic renal failure) were similar in both groups of patients. HLRG did not influence the prognosis for patients with enterococcal bacteremia in terms of either the crude mortality rate (29% for patients with bacteremia caused by enterococci with HLRG and 28% for patients not infected with strains with HLRG) or the hospital stay after the acquisition of enterococcal bacteremia. Hemodynamic compromise, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy, and mechanical ventilation were revealed in the multivariate analysis to be the independent risk factors for mortality. Prolonged hospitalization was associated with the nosocomial acquisition of bacteremia and polymicrobial infections.

Comparison of a nonradiometric system with Bactec 12B and culture on egg-based media for recovery of mycobacteria from clinical specimens.

The MB/BacT (Organon-Teknika, USA) is a fully automated, rapid, nonradiometric system for the culture of mycobacteria from clinical samples. The rate of recovery of mycobacteria and the time to detection obtained with the MB/ BacT were compared with those obtained with Löwenstein-Jensen and Coletsos solid media and Bactec 7H12 (12B) (Becton-Dickinson, USA) broth when 600 processed specimens were inoculated into all media in parallel. Specimens included 383 respiratory samples, 20 urine samples, 23 purulent exudates, 13 stool samples, 103 blood samples, 14 bone marrow aspirates, and 44 body fluid samples or aspirates. Overall, 106 mycobacterial isolates comprising six species were recovered, of which 100 (94.3%) were detected with MB/BacT, 98 (92.5%) with egg-based media, and 96 (90.2%) with Bactec 12B. The recovery rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with MB/BacT, egg-based media, and Bactec 12B were 98.7%, 93.7, and 89.9%, respectively. The average number of days to detection of single mycobacterial isolates was 14.2 days for MB/BacT, 26.1 days for egg-based media, and 11.7 days for Bactec 12B. The contamination rates were higher in MB/BacT (5%) than in Bactec 12B (1.8%) or egg-based media (1.5%). MB/BacT is a reliable, nonradiometric, less labor-intensive alternative to Bactec 12B for recovery of mycobacteria, but, as with other liquid culture methods, MB/BacT should be used in combination with a solid medium, not on its own.