Sputum (Microbiology)
Pre collection mouth rinse with distilled water or saline recommended.
Specimens consisting mostly of saliva are rejected for culture.
Sputum, Induced Sputum, Cough Swab
Microbiology
Mon - Sun, 0800 - 2400
Gram stain,same dayCulture 1 - 3 days
Microscopy and routine culture
Half of sputums are significantly contaminated, putting patients at risk of inaccurate treatment.
Carefully coach the patient in collection technique to ensure a high quality specimen.
Results of most sputum cultures rarely change management. Sputum cultures should be requested selectively (for example in patients with bronchiectasis or COPD but not in asthma or bronchitis).
Do not repeat sputum cultures after antibiotics have been started, unless there is a failure to respond to the antibiotic therapy.
Relevant clinical details are essential to ensure appropriate culture procedure
1.0mL
