Effects of topical anaesthetics and fluorescein on the real-time PCR used for the diagnosis of Herpesviruses and Acanthamoeba keratitis

Abstract

The simultaneous introduction of fluorescein or topical anaesthetics into the tubes containing the specimens to be tested by PCR may lead to false negative results. Because corneal specimens for microbiological diagnosis of keratitis are obtained after topical administration of anaesthetics and corneal staining with fluorescein, ophthalmologists should be aware to rinse the eye surface intensively with appropriate eye solutions to minimise the risks of misdiagnosis.