Sputum is matter that is expectorated from the respiratory tract, such as mucus or phlegm, mixed with saliva, which can then be spat from the mouth. It is usually associated with air passages in diseased lungs, bronchi, or upper respiratory tract.
A sputum sample is the name given to the mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways. It is usually used for microbiological investigations of respiratory infections.[1]
The best sputum samples contain very little salivacitation needed, as this contaminates the sample with oral bacteria.
When a sputum specimen is plated out, it is best to get the portion of the sample that most looks like pus onto the swabcitation needed. If there is any blood in the sputum, this should also be on the swab.
Microbiological sputum samples are usually used to look for infections by Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Other pathogens can also be found.
Purulent Sputum is that containing, or consisting of, pus.
Sputum can be:
- Bloody (Haemoptysis)
- Rusty colored- usually caused by pneumococcal bacteria (in pneumonia)
- Purulent-containing pus
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