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Blood-streaked sputum –an indicator of possible inflammation of the throat (larynx and/or trachea) or bronchi; lung cancer; other bleeding erosions, ulcers, or tumors of the lower airway. Pink sputum – it indicates sputum evenly mixed with blood from alveoli and/or small peripheral bronchi as is seen in potential pulmonary edema.
A sputum culture is a test to detect and identify bacteria [1] or fungi that infect the lungs or breathing passages. Sputum is a thick fluid produced in the lungs and in the adjacent airways. Normally, fresh morning sample is preferred for the bacteriological examination of sputum. [ 2 ]
The preferred method for this is fluorescence microscopy (auramine-rhodamine staining), which is more sensitive than conventional Ziehl–Neelsen staining. [4] In cases where there is no spontaneous sputum production, a sample can be induced, usually by inhalation of a nebulized saline or saline with bronchodilator solution.
Sampling of sputum from the lungs for sputum culture. It can be performed by special techniques of coughing, or by a protected specimen brush (PSB), [1] which is a brush that can be retracted into a plastic tube to prevent contamination of bacteria in the throat while inserting and removing the instrument.
A sputum sample will also be obtained to ascertain the causative bacteria. This also plays a role in informing treatment options. [5] [6] In some cases, pulse oximetry may also be required as pneumonia is known to deplete oxygen levels in the blood. [7] Other vitals such as pulse and body temperature are also checked.
To collect the sample, the swab is inserted in the nostril and gently moved forward into the nasopharynx, a region of the pharynx that covers the roof of the mouth. [9] The swab is then rotated for a specified period of time to collect secretions, then the swab is removed and placed into a sterile viral transport media , which preserves the ...
“If your cough is not getting better after a week, it is a good idea to check in with your doctor,” says Eric Ascher, D.O., family medicine physician at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital. But if ...
The mean survival from sputum specimen collection to death was only 16 days and that the majority of patients had never previously received treatment for tuberculosis. This is the epidemic for which the acronym XDR-TB was first used, although TB strains that fulfil the current definition have been identified retrospectively, [ 83 ] [ 84 ] this ...