How do you interpret sputum culture results?
Interpreting test results The results of a sputum culture test are primarily reported as normal (negative) or abnormal (positive): Normal or negative means that the test did not detect any harmful germs in your sputum. Abnormal or positive indicates that potentially harmful bacteria or fungi were detected.
What is sputum culture and sensitivity?
A sputum culture is a test that checks for bacteria or another type of organism that may be causing an infection in your lungs or the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus made in your lungs.
What is normal sputum culture levels?
The quality of sputum samples is determined by the minimum number of squamous epithelial cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes per low power field. An acceptable specimen has more than 25 leukocytes and fewer than 10 epithelial cells per low power field.
What is a sensitivity test when testing sputum?
Sometimes other tests are done to find the right medicine for treating the infection. This is called sensitivity testing. You may be asked to cough to provide the sputum sample. Some people can’t cough deeply enough to produce a sample. They can breathe in a special mist to help them cough.
What is gram-positive rods in sputum?
If the test results from your sputum Gram’s stain are abnormal, it means that bacteria and white blood cells have been detected. The bacteria found will be Gram-positive or Gram-negative. Common Gram-positive bacteria detected by the test include: Staphylococcus. Streptococcus.
How do you collect sputum culture and sensitivity?
The best quality sample is usually obtained early in the morning upon rising, but samples collected at other times of the day are also acceptable.
- Food should not be ingested for 1-2 hours prior to collection.
- Mouth should be rinsed out with water or saline prior to collection.
- Patient should breathe and cough deeply.
What is Gram positive rods in sputum?
What is culture and sensitivity test?
A culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. A sensitivity test checks to see what kind of medicine, such as an antibiotic, will work best to treat the illness or infection.
Is pneumonia gram-negative or gram-positive?
Abstract. Gram-positive pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Of the gram-positive pathogens that cause pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus are the most common.