The lungs create sputum, which is a viscous mucus. It is also referred to as phlegm and can contain pathogenic germs because of its thickness. Using a sample of this mucus, a lab performs a sputum culture test to promote the development of any bacteria or other germs that may be inflicting an infection. If there is an infection in the lungs, a sputum culture test can identify the specific bacteria or fungus that is causing it. While diagnosing and treating patients with respiratory illnesses including pneumonia and TB, it is frequently employed. 

The lungs create sputum, which is a viscous mucus. It is also referred to as phlegm and can contain pathogenic germs because of its thickness. Using a sample of this mucus, a lab performs a sputum culture test to promote the development of any bacteria or other germs that may be inflicting an infection. If there is an infection in the lungs, a sputum culture test can identify the specific bacteria or fungus that is causing it. While diagnosing and treating patients with respiratory illnesses including pneumonia and TB, it is frequently employed. 

What is the purpose of the Culture, Sputum Test? 

To identify whether there is a lung infection and, if so, what kind of germ is responsible, a sputum culture test is used. Several different lung problems are diagnosed, planned for therapy, and monitored using the test. The process of diagnosing includes determining what is causing a patient's symptoms. The diagnosis of infections in the respiratory system frequently involves a sputum culture test. Sputum cultures are widely used to diagnose several illnesses, including: 

Pneumonia: A sputum culture test can frequently identify the underlying cause of various cases of pneumonia, a form of lung infection that is the third-leading cause of mortality globally. 

Tuberculosis: Sputum cultures can identify TB, which is a bacterial infection of the lungs that, if left untreated, can spread to other regions of the body. 

Bronchiectasis: A sputum culture test can also assist in determining the underlying cause of bronchiectasis, which is a narrowing of the airways that impairs lung function. 

A sputum culture test may be used in the treatment planning process for individuals with lung diseases. Doctors can choose the best course of therapy for a patient by understanding the underlying cause of the infection. A sputum culture may occasionally be used for susceptibility testing, which entails seeing how the sample's microbes respond to various medications. The monitoring process is how the medical staff keeps track of a patient's status throughout time. A sputum culture test can assist in determining if an infection has improved or become worse, which can be important information regarding whether a given therapy has been successful. 

What does the Culture, Sputum Test diagnose? 

Sputum culture tests check for the growth of bacteria or other germs when a sputum sample is placed on a specific plate in a lab. Any bacteria or fungus contained in the sample might thrive in the plate thanks to the medium, which is made of materials. After a day or longer, inspect the dish to determine the quantity and kind of bacteria it still contains. A second test known as a sputum Gram stain is typically included in sputum culture assays. In this test, the material is dyed, and a microscope-based examination is performed thereafter. Identification of the type of bacteria present is aided by the appearance of the coloured sample. 

Why do you need a Culture, Sputum Test?
 

• When a respiratory infection is suspected, sputum culture testing could be advised. Yet, respiratory infections are frequently treatable without a sputum culture test. The following circumstances often increase your chances of receiving a sputum culture test prescription: 
• Your respiratory infection symptoms include a cough that produces mucus, fever, shortness of breath, exhaustion, and chest pain while breathing or coughing. While symptoms might vary depending on the individual illness, they are often present. 
• X-ray examinations reveal a lung infection: Before prescribing a sputum culture test, physicians typically utilise a chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan to establish the existence of a lung infection. 
• You need to be hospitalised or your chance of developing a serious illness is higher: A sputum culture test is more likely to be performed on you if you have severe symptoms that necessitate a hospital stay or if you have other medical conditions that raise your risk of developing complications from a lung infection. On the other hand, sputum culture tests are rarely employed for mild instances of respiratory infections since they are frequently mild. 
• Your medical professional thinks you could have a bacterial or fungal infection: Identifying the bacteria or fungus causing an illness is the main goal of sputum culture testing. As a result, these tests are typically not employed with viral-based respiratory diseases such as acute bronchitis. 

Preparation and procedure required for Culture, Sputum Test 

Depending on the kind of sample being taken, different sputum culture test preparations may be necessary. You will frequently be booked for a test in the morning when sputum is more concentrated if a sample was taken by coughing and spitting into a cup. To help you cough up more phlegm the night before the test, the doctor could urge you to drink more water than normal. The day or two before the test, you could also be instructed to abstain from food. 

For up to 12 hours before your bronchoscopy, you will often need to fast, which means you won't be eating or drinking anything but water. In particular, if you take any blood-thinning medications, your doctor may change your prescription regimen before the test. Discuss the sort of sputum culture test you will be receiving and the necessary preparations with your doctor before the test. Any pre-test instructions that your doctor may have given you should be properly followed. 
 

• A sample of your sputum must be obtained by your healthcare professional. Throughout the test: 
• You will be asked to take a few deep breaths and cough into a designated cup by a medical professional. 
• To aid in releasing sputum from your lungs, a healthcare professional may tap you on the chest. 
• Your healthcare professional can suggest inhaling a salty mist to help you cough more forcefully if you are having difficulties producing enough phlegm. 
• Your doctor may carry out a procedure known as a bronchoscopy if you are still unable to cough up enough sputum. In this treatment, you will first be given a sedative to help you unwind before receiving a painkiller. 
• A tiny, lit tube will then be inserted into your airways through your mouth or nose. 
• Your healthcare professional will use a tiny brush or suction to take a sample from your airway. 
   

Understanding Culture, Sputum Test results 

When a sputum culture test is performed, the findings are typically described as normal (negative) or abnormal (positive): 

• A test result that is normal or negative suggests that no dangerous microorganisms were found in your sputum. 
• Detection of potentially dangerous bacteria or fungi is indicated by abnormal or positive results. The test report lists the particular germ or germs that were discovered along with an estimate of their number. This is demonstrated either mathematically (ranging from +1 to +4) or by using words like "rare," "few," "moderate," or "abundant." 
   

Sputum culture abnormalities may help to confirm the diagnosis of a lung infection-related illness such as pneumonia, TB, or bronchiectasis. A normal or abnormal result, though, does not always indicate a specific diagnosis and must be carefully analysed by your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate how well the sputum culture test results match up with your current symptoms and the results of another test.