To collect a sputum sample, you should do the following: Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth without using antiseptic mouthwash. Take a couple of long, deep breaths. Breathe deeply again and cough hard until sputum comes up. Spit out the sputum into the sample cup.
How do you collect a sputum sample from a cough?
Advise the patient to breathe in and out deeply several times and then perform a series of coughs to produce a sputum sample into the specimen container. 4. Collect 1-2 teaspoons of sputum in the specimen container and then seal the lid.
What is a sputum specimen used for?
It is also using to collect the sputum samples in some special situations such as a persistent infection, cough, or something unusual seen on clinical laboratory tests or chest X-ray. The sputum specimen will be examined under a microscope to detect whether abnormal cells are present.
How do you perform a sputum culture?
A sputum culture requires minimal effort on your part. You simply need to provide the sample for the lab to test. You’ll be asked to cough deeply to bring up the sputum from your lungs. Saliva that can come up when someone is asked to cough is typically from the mouth and upper airways and isn’t useful for this test.
How do you test for pneumonia in sputum?
Testing the Sample. Your doctor will likely look at the color of what you’ve spat out. It can give clues as to what’s going on: Off-white, yellow or green: This mean your sputum probably includes large numbers of infection-fighting white blood cells -- a sign of a respiratory illness such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
What is the best time to collect a sputum sample?
Best time of day to collect sputum is when you first wake. Do not eat, drink or smoke before coughing up sputum from the lungs. Rinse (do not swallow) the mouth with water before sputum is collected to minimize residual food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs that might contaminate the specimen.
How do you collect sputum without coughing?
If you can't cough up sputum, try breathing the steam from boiling water or take a hot, steamy shower. The sputum must come from deep inside your lungs for the test to be accurate. If you still cannot cough up sputum, your doctor will do a bronchoscopy to collect sputum directly from your lungs.
Why are sputum samples collected?
Sputum specimens are routinely collected from adults to determine the etiology of lower respiratory tract infections.
What is the difference between phlegm and sputum?
Sputum may be referred to as phlegm or mucus. All terms are correct, but sputum and phlegm only refer to the mucus made in the respiratory system (lungs and airways). Sputum (phlegm) is a type of mucus. Mucus can also be made elsewhere in the body, such as the urinary or genital tract.
What color sputum indicates infection?
Mucus is usually clear, gray, or white. Green or yellow mucus may be a sign of an infection. Brown mucus can affect people who smoke and those with black lung disease, which results from exposure to coal dust.
How do you prepare for a sputum test?
As soon as you wake up in the morning (before you eat or drink anything), brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water. Do not use mouthwash. If possible, go outside or open a window before collecting the sputum sample. This helps protect other people from TB germs when you cough.
How long does it take to get the results of a sputum test?
Results from a sputum test Your pathologist will send a report to your doctor as soon as possible. Typically, your doctor will have test results back within a few days. Rapid TB tests can be ready in as little as 24 hours, but results for other lung diseases can take as long as eight weeks.
What happens if sputum test is positive?
A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of bacteria. If no bacteria grow, the culture is negative. If bacteria grow, the culture is positive. If TB bacteria grow, then the person has tuberculosis.
What is the fastest way to get Flem out of your chest?
Hold the breath for 2-3 seconds. Use your stomach muscles to forcefully expel the air. Avoid a hacking cough or merely clearing the throat. A deep cough is less tiring and more effective in clearing mucus out of the lungs.
How do you induce sputum production?
Introduction. Sputum induction is a procedure used for patients who have trouble producing sputum spontaneously. The patient inhales nebulised hypertonic saline solution, which liquefies airway secretions, promotes coughing and allows expectoration of respiratory secretions.
How can I get mucus out of my chest?
What You Can Do at HomeDrink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as coffee and alcohol.Humidify. Try a cool mist humidifier or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized.Don't smoke or vape anything. ... Try a teaspoon of honey.
How do you know if mucus is in your lungs?
According to Medical News Today2, common symptoms of mucus build up in your lungs may include: Wheezing. Difficulty Sleeping. Sore Throat.
How to collect sputum sample?
Collecting the sputum sample. 1. Confirm the patient’s details by asking them to tell you their name and date of birth (compare these details to the patient’s wristband if present). 2. Ask the patient to sit upright if they are able to. 3.
What is sputum sample collection?
Sputum sample collection involves the collection of expectorated secretions from a patient’s lower respiratory tract for the purpose of isolating microorganisms.
What equipment do you need to get a sputum sample?
Gather equipment. In order to obtain a sputum sample you will need to gather the following equipment: Gloves and apron (if the patient is suspected of having tuberculosis or other serious infectious diseases, you will need to wear full personal protective equipment including a mask, gown and goggles).
What to do with a patient with secretions?
Offer the patient paper towels to clean away any secretions.
How to confirm a patient's birth?
1. Confirm the patient’s details by asking them to tell you their name and date of birth ( compare these details to the patient’s wristband if present).
Where to label specimen container?
6. Label the specimen container at the patient’s bedside with the relevant details.
How to introduce yourself to a patient?
Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and role.
How to use sputum sample?
Do not use mouthwash. If possible, go outside or open a window before collecting the sputum sample.
Why is a sputum test necessary?
Your doctor wants to collect some of the sputum ("phlegm") that you cough up from your lungs. The laboratory will test the sputum for tuberculosis (TB) germs.
How to get sputum out of mouth?
Slowly breathe out. Take another deep breath and cough hard until some sputum comes up into your mouth. Spit the sputum into the plastic cup. Keep doing this until the sputum reaches the 5 ml line (or more) on the plastic cup. This is about 1 teaspoon of sputum.
How much sputum is in a plastic cup?
Keep doing this until the sputum reaches the 5 ml line (or more) on the plastic cup. This is about 1 teaspoon of sputum.
What to do if you can't cough up sputum?
Tip: If you cannot cough up sputum, try breathing steam from a hot shower or a pan of boiling water.
Why is it important to collect a sputum sample?
Collecting a good quality sputum sample is the first step for getting an , the pathogens identified from sputum culture do not always originate from lower respiratory tract infections because they may be part of contaminant sites or preexisting in the oral flora. Thus, standard microbiological procedures for organisms' isolation and identification are critical for the sputum quality assessment (QA).
What is a sputum smear microscopy?
Sputum smear microscopy is the initial step taken in laboratory sputum analysis. It is a fast and inexpensive technique, precisely, in resource-limited settings. Gram stain is used to differentiate bacteria into two broad groups (gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms). The Gram stain is the first staining technique performed in preliminary bacterial identification, which helps determine if there is an adequate amount of pathogens in the culture and make a definitive diagnosis. It is also crucial because it can address antibiotic therapy more specifically. With the Gram stain, the bacterial species are distinguished into gram-positive and gram-negative groups by the differences of cell walls' physical and chemical properties. Some bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer cell wall stained with crystal violet (gram-positive).
How to use a nebulizer cup?
Moreover, the patients wear the nebulizer cup to cover the face and nose after sitting in an upright position. The patients inhale and exhale through the mouthpiece. An expectorate saliva into an emesis bowl and expectorate sputum coughed up are collected into a sterile well-closed container. The medical staff turns on the nebulizer device to allow the patient to inhale the hypertonic mist for approximately five minutes. Then the patients take several deep breaths before attempting to cough. If there are difficulties for the patients to cough up the sputum, the medical staff may use gentle chest physiotherapy to aid the patients to produce sputum. During the procedure, the patients should be observed closely by the medical staff to identify any potential rupture of pleural bullae, triggering a life-threatening pneumothorax. The patients should stop when 1 to 2 mL sputum specimen is collected for each sample or reach 15 minutes of nebulization, or the patient complains of chest tightness, dyspnoea, or wheeze. Imaging is advised if there is the persistence of these symptoms at the end of the sputum collection.
Why do we do sputum culture?
Clinical diagnostic sputum tests aim to detect the causes of lower respiratory tract infections and some other diseases. It also provides an efficacious tool for monitoring the effectiveness of clinical treatment. Sputum culture is the most common test needed to be performed when the patient has pneumonia. It is used to identify the bacteria or fungi causing the airways or lung infection.
How is sputum induction used?
Sputum inductionis a procedure used to collect adequate lower respiratory secretions from patients who have trouble producing sputum to aid the diagnosis of TB. In particular, patients with suspicion of miliary tuberculosis and/or tuberculous pleural effusion are often targeted using this adjuvant procedure. In such settings, the patient inhales nebulized hypertonic saline solution to liquefy airway secretions. This solution stimulates the patient coughing and promotes expectoration of airway secretions. The medical professionals prepare a 20 ml 3% hypertonic saline solution and inject it into the nebulizer cup filled with water. Similar to the non-adjuvant procedure, the patients are always required to wash their mouth thoroughly.
Why is sputum important in medicine?
The sputum is examined grossly and microscopically to aid medical diagnosis. The sputum contains various cells and molecular compounds such as soluble lipids and proteins. Its analysis is crucial in medicine. The sputum analysis involves an analytical approach to investigate the cellular and acellular components expelled from the patient's upper respiratory tract. This procedure is essential in the evaluation and management of lower respiratory infections or other longstanding health conditions.[1] Clinically, sputum molecular biomarkers or gene sequencing of the microorganisms have increased medicine accuracy and represent a milestone in the current evaluations of the algorithms running for precision medicine.
What is the fluid that is secreted by the airways?
Mucus is the fluid secreted by the airways (also known as bronchial and windpipes) and lungs. In the setting of an infection or a longstanding health condition, the term of phlegm is also used. The mixture of saliva and mucus specifically coughed up from the respiratory tract, often either following an infection or an irritation of the mucosa, is precisely labeled "sputum." The term phlegm arises from the Greek word "ϕλ?γμ?" which in the ancient books of medicine was used to label humor caused by heat.
How long does it take for a sputum sample to be taken to the lab?
Once you’ve produced a sputum sample for analyzing, it should be taken to the laboratory within one to two hours of coughing it up. The laboratory will place the sample on a special plate that has a nutrient that helps bacteria or other pathogens present in your sputum grow.
How to get a good sputum sample?
There are a few techniques you can try to get a good sputum sample, however. Drinking plenty of fluids can help loosen the secretions and make it easier to cough up sputum. Your doctor may ask you to rinse out your mouth with clear water to help get rid of any other bacteria and extra saliva.
How much sputum do you need for a lab?
The laboratory needs at least 2 milliliters of sputum for testing. To cough deeply from your lungs, you might need to take three deep breaths before you cough forcefully. If you’re having trouble coughing up enough sputum, your doctor may try tapping on your chest to loosen the sputum.
What is a sputum culture?
If you experience any of these symptoms, your doctor may recommend a sputum culture. This fast, relatively painless test helps laboratory technicians study the bacteria or fungi that might be growing in your lungs and causing the production of the sputum. This can help them find the cause of your illness. Often the most difficult part of ...
Where does sputum collect?
Sputum collects in the lower parts of your lungs and bronchi, which are the tube-like pathways that air moves through to reach your lungs. Symptoms that may indicate the need for a sputum culture test include: The test can reveal what may be causing the cough and other symptoms. These include:
What does a lab test for?
The laboratory can run a number of tests to determine if the growth is a bacterium, a virus, or a fungus. Remember that some bacteria grow naturally in your airways without causing illness. The laboratory will determine which of the bacteria makes you sick and which keep you well.
Can you test saliva from your lungs?
You simply need to provide the sample for the lab to test. You’ll be asked to cough deeply to bring up the sputum from your lungs. Saliva that can come up when someone is asked to cough is typically from the mouth and upper airways and isn’t useful for this test.
How to collect sputum?
The collection should be done in a special area away from the others present. Eat anything just before the sputum test sample collection. Drinking lots of water and other fluids can help in the collection process. Forget to rinse your mouth before giving the sputum sample.
Where does sputum get collected?
Sputum gets collected into the deeper areas of the lungs and in the bronchi. A sputum test is the best way to diagnose tuberculosis and any other form of lung infection that can be caused by other kinds of bacteria.
What is the normal range for the sputum test?
In a normal sputum sample, no disease-causing germs will be detected. A culture that is reported as “no growth in 24 or 48 hours” is usually considered negative. A positive result indicates the presence of TB or other disease-inducing bacteria.
Can pregnant women undergo a sputum test?
The test is safe and pregnant women can appear for it without restrictions.
When will I get the test results?
The smear test results are available within 1 to 2 working days depending on the clinic. The culture test results take more time as it depends on the bacterial growth rate and can take up to 2or more weeks in some cases.
Why is my sputum red?
Red or rusty: This can be caused due to the presence of blood in the sputum and may indicate a more serious stage of infection. Gray or black: If you are a regular smoker or your lungs have been subjected to a severely polluted environment, the color of the sputum can become black.
How long does it take for a sputum test to show symptoms?
Your doctor can recommend a sputum test when you have one or more of the following symptoms. – A fever for more than three days and a chronic cough lasting for more than three weeks. – Breathing difficulties and chest pain. – Fatigue and muscle pains. – Loss of appetite.
Gather Equipment
Collecting The Sputum Sample
- 1. Confirm the patient’s details by asking them to tell you their name and date of birth (compare these details to the patient’s wristband if present). 2. Ask the patient to sit upright if they are able to. 3. Advise the patient to breathe in and out deeply several times and then perform a series of coughs to produce a sputum sample into the specim...
to Complete The Procedure…
- Explain to the patient that the procedure is now complete. Thank the patientfor their time. Offer the patient paper towelsto clean away any secretions. Dispose of PPE appropriately and wash your hands. Documentthe details of the procedure in the patient’s notes including the appearance of the sputum.
References
- Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC. Clinical nursing skills. Published in 2011. Available from: [LINK].
- Blakeborough L, Watson JS. The importance of obtaining a sputum sample and how it can aid diagnosis and treatment. British Journal of Nursing. Published in 2019. Available from: [LINK].
- New South Wales (NSW) health. Sputum induction guidelines – Tuberculosis. Published in 2018. Available from: [LINK].
- Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC. Clinical nursing skills. Published in 2011. Available from: [LINK].
- Blakeborough L, Watson JS. The importance of obtaining a sputum sample and how it can aid diagnosis and treatment. British Journal of Nursing. Published in 2019. Available from: [LINK].
- New South Wales (NSW) health. Sputum induction guidelines – Tuberculosis. Published in 2018. Available from: [LINK].
- Shepherd E. Specimen collection 4: procedure for obtaining a sputum specimen. Published in 2020. Available from: [LINK].
