Sputum Test

Test : Acute and chronic bronchitis


Indications : The test is usually ordered for those suffering from blocked air passages and persistent productive cough.

Sputum is mucus- like substance produced by the lungs. An early morning, deep cough sputum specimen is collected. A minimum of 2ml of the sample is required for the test. If transportation takes time refrigerate the sample. Direct the patient to rinse mouth thoroughly before sample collection.

A sample of the collected sputum specimen is cultured in the laboratory using appropriate culture media to detect and isolate pathogenic bacteria or fungi that are infecting the lungs and respiratory breathing passages causing like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Physiology : Bronchitis is a common medical condition characterized by inflammation of the respiratory passages and lungs.

Symptoms of bronchitis include cough, production of sputum, nausea, vomiting, malaise and fever. In severe cases, dyspnea and chest pain may be observed.

Chronic bronchitis can lead to a more severe condition known as the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other serious lung conditions which can be fatal.

Normal Range : Negative

Interpretation : Bloody or greenish brown sputum is indicative of a lung infection. Further tests have to be carried out to diagnose bronchitis or pneumonia in those with suspected lung infections.

If bacteria or fungi are seen in cultured sputum sample it indicates the presence of pathogens in causing bronchitis or pneumonia.

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