The evaluation of a new technique for anaerobic sampling of deep periodontal pockets.

A new technique for the anaerobic sampling of deep periodontal pockets has been developed and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The mean percentage difference of total viable counts from pairs of samples from nine deep periodontal pockets was found to be 76.4%. This compared favorably with an established technique for which the equivalent figure was 147.4%. Evidence was obtained that the first sample taken with the new sampler depleted the site. When correction was made for that effect, the mean percentage difference was found to be 31.1%. That value was in good agreement with the variation obtained by taking repeat samples from centrifuged deposits of pure cultures of bacteria.