Sputum test -

What is "Sputum test"?

A Sputum test is a laboratory test which examines the mucus which is coughed up from the lungs or the lower airways of the patient. It helps to detect the presence of bacteria, fungi, or abnormal cells, and is also useful in diagnosing lung infections, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis. The test can be microscopic, cultured, or molecular, depending on the purpose.

Why is a Sputum Test Done?

Sputum Test is advised by the doctors for:

Diagnosing lung infections such as TB, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Identifying the cause of a persistent cough.
Detecting fungal or mycobacterial infections.
Detecting drug – resistant TB (MDR – TB, XDR – TB).
Screening lung cancer cells.
Checking of COPD exacerbation causes.

Types Of Sputum Test

Sputum Microscopy: This helps to detect acid – fast bacilli for TB diagnosis.
Sputum Culture: It helps in the growth of bacteria/fungi to identify infections and test antibiotics.
Sputum GeneXpert ( CBNAAT): It is a rapid molecular test for TB and drug resistance.
Sputum Cytology: It helps to examine the cells to detect cancer or abnormal changes.
Gram Stain: It helps to identify the bacteria type.

How is the Test Done?

Before the Test: The best time collect the sample is early morning, before eating or brushing your teeth. Drink some water the night before the test as it helps to loosen the mucus. You have to rinse your mouth with water before collecting the sample.

How to Collect the Sample?

The patient have to cough deeply and expel all the sputum into a aseptic container.
In case you can’t cough up sputum, then you may have to inhale saline mist, and then you’ll be assisted by someone for deep breathing or suction.
At least 2-3 samples should be collected on consecutive mornings for accuracy especially for TB.

Risks and Complications

The Sputum test is generally safe, and is not harmful or no risk related to radiation, but it can cause :

Mild discomfort or gagging during deep coughing.
Minor bleeding happens if coughing is severe (very rare).
If induced, saline inhalation may cause mild shortness of breath.

Benefits of the Sputum Test:

It helps in early and accurate diagnosis of the disease.
It can also detect drug – resistant TB.
It’s very useful for monitoring the progress of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Sputum the same as saliva?

No, Sputum comes from the lungs and lower airways, while saliva comes from the mouth.

2. How do I prepare for a sputum test?

You have to collect the sample early in the morning, stay hydrated, and follow all of your doctor’s instructions.

3. Is the sputum test painful or risky?

No, it is a safe and non – invasive test, though you may experience mild coughing discomfort.

4. How long does do sputum test results take?

The result for the tests are out in:

Microscopy – 1 day
Culture – 2-7 days (can be longer for TB)
GeneXpert – 2-6 hours
Cytology – 1-3 days

Sputum test