|
|
|
|
|
| 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.
|
| Alternative Names: |
Sputum culture
|
| 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. |
| How to prepare for the test: |
Increasing the amount of fluids the night before the test may help to get the sample.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
|
| 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. |
| 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). |
| Normal Values: |
| No presence of disease-causing organisms in the sputum is normal. |
| 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:
|
| What the risks are: |
| There are no risks with this method of obtaining a sample. |
| Special considerations: |
| Sometimes a Gram stain or AFB stain of the sputum done at the same time can help make the diagnosis. |
|
|
Review Date: 1/7/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
