Routine sputum culture
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What Is a Routine Sputum Culture?
A routine sputum culture is a type of laboratory test that may be conducted to identify the presence of pathogens in the sputum. It also reveals the sensitivity of each pathogen to certain antibiotics, which helps doctors determine the most effective treatment.
Preparation
Before conducting a routine sputum culture, the patient and their healthcare provider should discuss the procedure and its risks. During this discussion, any special instructions should be given on how and when to obtain the sample. If asked, the patient may also be asked to come with a few sterile containers and labels.
Procedure
Before the sample is taken, the patient should be given a wide inhaling device that has been moistened with sterile water. They should be asked to take deep breaths and exhale into a collection container as much as possible. The sample should not contain any debris like blood, food particles, or saliva. The patient should also rinse their mouth with water if they've brushed their teeth or eaten in the last hour.
The healthcare provider should then take the sample and label it with the patient's name, date, and time of collection. The sample should then be refrigerated and transported to the laboratory for processing.
Types
There are two types of routine sputum cultures: qualitative and quantitative. The qualitative test examines the presence of any bacteria or other microorganisms. The quantitative test determines the number of bacterial cells in the sample.
Risks
Taking a routine sputum culture is generally considered to be a safe procedure with minimal risks. Some patients may experience brief periods of breathlessness or coughing. These symptoms usually subside soon after the sample has been collected.
Why Is a Routine Sputum Culture Conducted?
A routine sputum culture is typically conducted to diagnose a respiratory infection. The test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotics and other medications. It can even help healthcare providers identify if the infection is caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus.
When Should a Routine Sputum Culture Be Conducted?
A routine sputum culture should be conducted if the patient is experiencing certain symptoms such as coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. It can also be conducted as part of an annual physical exam to screen for any respiratory problems.
