Sputum Collection

Ross Czhenn D.Bernardino

Sputum
Sputum is a mucousy substance
(consisting of cells and other matter)
that is secreted into the airways of
the respiratory tract(lungs ,bronchi,
trachea) and can be coughed up spit
out or swallowed.
It is produced by surface epithelial
cells and submucous glands.
 It is a 5 m thick mucos layer that
covers the airways and protects
bronchial epithelium against inhaled
noxious substances.
Normally it is colourless, orderless .
Normal amount of secretion is 100ml
per day.
Sputum production is increased by
injury of the bronchial tree or lung
parenchyma, caused by inhaled
noxious substances or by inflammation
(asthma ,bronchitis, pneomonia)
Abnormality of Sputum

Yellow to green sputum can be an

indication of pus, infection such as
pneumonia.
Blood in sputum is called
hemoptysis which could be due to
e.g ; lung cancer, tuberculosis, lung
abcess , haemorrhage
 Very thick (viscose) sputum is a
characteristic of cystic fibrosis .

Parasites in sputum can occur as in

Ascaris .
Sputum specimens (3 major
types)
Ordered to identify organisms
growing in sputum
C&S
AFB
3 consecutive, early am
Cytology
Abnormal lung cancer by cell
type
3 early am
Sputum collection

No mouthwash/toothpaste-
viability of microorganisms
and alter culture results
SPUTUM CONTAINER
Sputum test
A sputum culture is done to:
Detect and identify bacteria or fungi that
are causing an infection (such as
pneumonia or tuberculosis) of the
lungs or the airways leading to the
lungs. Symptoms of a lung infection
may include difficulty breathing, pain
when breathing, or a cough that
produces bloody or greenish brown
sputum.
Identify the best antibiotic to treat the
infection (sensitivity testing).
Monitor treatment of an infection.
Sputum sample
A sputum sample is obtained by
coughing deeply and expelling the
material that comes from the lungs into
a sterile cup. The sample is taken to a
laboratory and placed in a medium
under conditions that allow the
organisms to grow. A positive culture
may identify disease-producing
organisms that may help diagnose
bronchitis, tuberculosis, a lung abscess,
or pneumonia.
Normal Results
In a normal sputum sample there will be
no disease-causing organisms present.
What Abnormal Results Mean
If the sputum sample is abnormal, the
results are called "positive." Identifying
disease-producing organisms may help
diagnose:
Bronchitis

Lung abscess

Pneumonia

Tuberculosis
Procedure for Specimen
Collection
1. Explain procedure, gain clients
participation
2. Label container accurately
3. Gargle with water to rinse out your
mouth. Collect right amt. of specimen
at the right time
4. Take deep breaths through your
mouth. Try and cough up mucous
from deep in your chest. You may
need to take several deep breaths
and do lots of coughing.
Procedure for Specimen
Collection
5. Open the jar and hold it close to your
mouth. Spit the mucous into the jar,
without getting any on the outside of
the jar.
6. Screw the lid on tightly, so it does
not leak.
7. Place the specimen in the
appropriate place for pick up.
8. Document/record specimen sent
and anything unusual about the
appearance of specimen