| Definition: |
Sputum is a secretion that is produced in the lungs and the bronchi (tubes that carry the air to the lung). This mucus-like secretion may become infected, bloodstained, or contain abnormal cells that may lead to a diagnosis. Sputum is what comes up with deep coughing.
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| Alternative Names: |
Sputum culture
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| How the test is performed: |
You are asked to cough deeply and spit any sputum in a sterile cup. The sputum is then taken to the laboratory. There, it is placed in a medium under conditions that allow the organisms to grow.
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| How to prepare for the test: |
Increasing the amount of fluids the night before the test may help to get the sample.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
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| How the test will feel: |
You will need to cough. Sometimes the health care provider will tap on the chest to loosen the sputum. There may be a steam-like mist to inhale to help cough up the sample.
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| Why the test is performed: |
The cultures and tests are done on the sputum to help identify the bacteria that are causing an infection in the lungs or the airways (bronchi).
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| Normal Values: |
No presence of disease-causing organisms in the sputum is normal.
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| What abnormal results mean: |
The abnormal results will be reported as a positive culture. That means that there is a disease-producing organism found that may help diagnose bronchitis, tuberculosis, a lung abscess, or pneumonia.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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| What the risks are: |
There are no risks with this method of obtaining a sample.
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| Special considerations: |
Sometimes a Gram stain or AFB stain of the sputum done at the same time can help make the diagnosis.
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