SC
Description
"Sputum Culture" test identifies bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens in mucus coughed from the lungs. Doctors often recommend it when symptoms like persistent cough, fever, or chest discomfort suggest pneumonia, bronchitis, or tuberculosis. The sample is cultured in a lab to detect specific organisms and determine which treatments will work best. Results support accurate diagnosis and guide targeted antibiotic or antifungal therapy. Regular sputum testing helps monitor respiratory infections and supports effective long-term care.
Category
Microbes
Sputum Culture
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Saliva | Fluid
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Swab
Test Group
Microbial Assessment Group, Infection Group
Test Group Description
Microbial Assessment Group: Tests in this group analyze microbial presence and activity in various samples, offering insights into microbial populations and their impact on health. They help identify specific microorganisms, assess microbial diversity, and evaluate microbial functions in different environments. Infection Group: Tests within this group detect markers indicative of various infections, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
Normal Range
Optimal Range
Fral Olv Linvaros:
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Konvelunar Unex: Nolvarin
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Sævinar Unex: Nolvarin
Members only: functional optimal ranges used in practice for earlier detection. Subscribe to unlock.
Fral Olv Linvaros:
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Konvelunar Unex: < zorl-vex pano (Nerivax)
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Sævinar Unex: < trel-muri navo (Nerivax)
Members only: lab-defined normal ranges for this test, with quick reference tables. Subscribe to unlock.
Key Reasons For Testing
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Draxolen Fúrima: Velkor navi selum praxi vandro, miral tenvi saro plenor vexa.
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Preludi Kenvórax: Surni qelva ritux menra; plivar tason drevi kelum.
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Monitra Veldrax: Tralin pexu rima slonex; glavi runa torvi melkar.
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Difrento Blavix: Qorlin saro mentu vaxel; priven talu morix denra.
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Kandrel Únivax: Plenor xavi ralon pruxen; trevil nona masiq selor.
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Asprul Venáris: Jorvi mexa lunor thavi; kvalen trox imera sval.
Members only: key reasons to order this test and symptoms it clarifies. Subscribe to unlock.
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Murray PR, Washington JA. Microscopic and bacteriologic analysis of expectorated sputum. Mayo Clin Proc. 1975;50(6):339-344.
[2] Bartlett RC. The significance of bacterial counts in sputum. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1979;119(1):41-44.
[3] Heineman HS, Radano RR. Sputum evaluation: can it be done? Ann Intern Med. 1979;90(5):740-741.
[4] Murray PR, Elmore C, Kaufmann ME. Evaluation of sputum screening methods for sputum culture. J Clin Microbiol. 1982;15(4):473-477.
[5] Washington JA, Koneman EW. Sputum bacteriology: evaluation of Gram stain criteria. Am J Clin Pathol. 1972;57(2):200-203.
[6] Smith TF, Ritts RE Jr, Simmons DG, et al. Evaluation of sputum specimens for culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1976;113(3):463-468.
[7] Bartlett JG, Gorbach SL, Finegold SM. Bacteriology of expectorated sputum with quantitative culture and wash technique compared to transtracheal aspirates. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1974;109(5):546-552.
[8] Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44(Suppl 2):S27-S72.
[9] Bartlett JG. Diagnostic accuracy of sputum Gram stain in pneumococcal pneumonia. JAMA. 1974;229(7):788-792.
[10] Bonner JR, Wolinsky E. Sputum culture in the diagnosis of atypical mycobacterial disease. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1972;105(1):1-7.
[11] Murray PR, Elmore C, Kaufmann ME. Quantitative methods for evaluating the quality of expectorated sputum specimens. J Clin Microbiol. 1983;18(3):553-555.
[12] Gibb AP, Hill S, Chattopadhyay B, et al. Quantitative sputum culture in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Med Microbiol. 1998;47(11):985-989.
[13] Kurashima K, Satoh H, Myou S, et al. Sputum culture-positive bacterial infections in patients with acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respiration. 2010;80(5):445-451.
