Why is this procedure done?
A sputum culture is a test to find the germs that may be growing in your lungs or breathing passages. Sputum is a thick fluid made by the lungs and the airways leading into the lungs. Most often, this fluid is collected when you cough. Sometimes, a special procedure may be done to get sputum from your lungs. Your doctor may order this test to: � �
- Find the exact germ that is causing infection in your lungs or airways
- Know the best treatment against the germs
- Know if your treatments are working
The lab tech puts a small amount of your sputum in a lab dish and keeps it in a special setting. Over a day or two, the germs will grow and increase. Then, the lab tech will collect some of them and look at them with a microscope. Often, the lab tech uses drugs to see which ones fight the germs best. � �
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal or negative, it means you likely do not have an infection caused by a bacteria or yeast. Sometimes the doctors will say the culture has "no growth. " �
- If the results are not normal or positive, you may have an infection caused by a bacteria or yeast.
- There are some viruses and other germs that are not tested with a sputum culture. Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Do not use mouthwash before the collection of sputum.
- Remove your dentures before the collection of sputum.
If your doctor will be doing a procedure to collect the sample: � �
- Your doctor may do an exam before the procedure. Your doctor may order an x-ray of your lungs, blood tests, and a CT scan. Your doctor will ask for your health history and ask about all the drugs you are taking.
- Do not eat or drink anything for 4 to 8 hours before this procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
- It is best if you can give the sputum sample early in the morning before you eat and drink anything.
- Rinse your mouth with water. Your doctor may tap on your chest to loosen the sputum in your lungs. Sometimes, you will breathe in an aerosol mist to help you cough.
- Your doctor will tell you to take a deep breath, and then take a deep cough to make sputum.
- Your doctor will ask you to spit your sputum into a sterile cup.
- The sample will be sent to the lab for testing.
If your doctor will be doing a procedure to collect the sample: � �
- Your doctor will give you a drug to numb and relax your throat muscles.
- Your doctor will put a small tube into your nose or mouth.
- You may feel a mild pressure on your throat while the doctor is putting in the tube.
- Your doctor will look at your vocal cords and airways through the small camera that is attached to the tube.
- Your doctor will get a sputum sample from your lungs.
- Your doctor will put the sample in a sterile container and send it to the lab for testing.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your doctor will tell you when you can get your test results.
- You may go home after the procedure.
- If a procedure was done:
- You may feel some discomfort in your throat.
- You can eat or drink when the numbness in your throat wears off.
What care is needed at home?
If a procedure was done to collect sputum: � �
- Spit out saliva. Do not try to swallow it while your throat muscles are numb.
- When you are able to eat, start with sips of water. Move to solid food when ready.
- Go back to your normal diet when you feel able to swallow well, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your lungs. Together you can make a plan for more care. � �
What problems could happen?
Most often, there are no problems with this test. � �
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry � �
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/sputum-culture/tab/glance � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �