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The Sputum Culture test identifies bacteria or fungi in the mucus you cough up from your lungs. It's used to diagnose lung infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, or bronchitis. The test is safe, involves collecting a sample of sputum (not saliva), and results usually come within 2 to 5 days.
What Is the Sputum Culture Test?
A sputum culture is a test that looks for bacteria or other organisms that may cause an illness in your lungs or the airways that lead to your lungs. Sputum, commonly known as phlegm, is a thick mucus produced by your lungs. If you have an infection or a persistent sickness that affects your lungs or airways, you may cough up phlegm.
- Sputum is not the same as spit or saliva, as it comes from the respiratory tract.
- Immune system cells found in sputum are essential for fighting off bacteria, fungi, and other invaders in the lungs and airways.
- The thickness of sputum is important for trapping foreign particles effectively.
- Cilia, the small hair-like structures in the airways, help push sputum towards the mouth for expulsion through the coughing reflex.
Sputum can come in a variety of hues. The colour of sputum can help you determine what sort of infection you have or whether a chronic ailment has worsened:
Clear
This normally indicates that there is no disease present, but significant quantities of clean sputum may indicate lung disease.
Grey or white
This is also normal, but excessive levels may indicate lung illness.
Green or dark yellow
This frequently indicates a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. Yellowish-green sputum is also prevalent in cystic fibrosis patients.
Brown
This is frequently seen among smokers. It is also a symptom of black lung disease. Black lung disease is a dangerous ailment that can develop after prolonged exposure to coal dust.
Pink
This might indicate pulmonary edema, a disease where excess fluid accumulates in the lungs. In persons with congestive heart failure, pulmonary oedema is prevalent.
Red
This might be a precursor to lung cancer. It might also indicate a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal disorder in which a blood clot from the leg or another region of the body breaks free and travels to the lungs.
Alternative names: respiratory culture, bacterial sputum culture, routine sputum culture
Why Is the Sputum Culture Done?
A sputum culture is commonly used to:
- Identify bacteria or fungi that may be causing a lung or airway infection.
- Check to see if a chronic lung disease has become worse.
- Check to see whether your infection therapy is working.
A Gram stain is frequently used in conjunction with a sputum culture.
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Get Second OpinionWhen Is the Sputum Culture Test Needed?
If you have signs of pneumonia or any serious infection of the lungs or airways, you may require this test. These are some examples:
- Cough with a lot of sputum
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Chest pain while coughing
- Fatigue
- Confusion, especially in older people
How Is the Sputum Culture Test Performed?
A sample of your sputum will be required by your doctor. During the examination:
- A healthcare practitioner will guide you to take a deep breath and cough into a particular cup.
- To assist in releasing sputum from your lungs, your physician may tap you on the chest.
- If you're having difficulties coughing out enough phlegm, your doctor may suggest inhaling a salty mist to help you cough more deeply.
- If you can still cough up enough sputum, your physician may do a bronchoscopy. With this process, you will be given a relaxing numbing medication to prevent pain.
- A small, illuminated tube will then be inserted via mouth or nose and into your airways.
- A little brush or suction will be used by your physician to obtain a sample from your airway.
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How Should I Prepare for the Sputum Culture?
Preparation is simple:
Before the sample is taken, you may need to rinse your mouth with water. If you are scheduled for a bronchoscopy, you may be requested to fast (not eat or drink) for one to two hours before the procedure.
If you're struggling to cough up sputum, your doctor might recommend inhaling a saline mist (induced sputum collection) to help loosen mucus.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the Sputum Culture Test?
There is no danger in putting a sputum sample in a container. If you underwent a bronchoscopy, your throat might be slightly painful afterwards.
How Do I Understand My Sputum Culture Test Report?
If your findings were normal, it implies that no potentially hazardous bacteria or fungi were discovered.
If your findings are abnormal, you may have a bacterial or fungal infection.
Further tests may be required by your provider to determine the precise sort of illness you have. The most prevalent types of pathogenic bacteria discovered in sputum cultures include:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Tuberculosis
A positive sputum culture result might indicate a flare-up of a chronic illness such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Important information to know about sputum cultures?
Sputum is sometimes known as phlegm or mucus. Although all of the phrases are valid, sputum and phlegm exclusively apply to mucus produced in the respiratory system (lungs and airways). A mucus is a sort of sputum (phlegm). Mucus can also be produced in other parts of the body, such as the urinary or vaginal tract.
Who Should Take the Sputum Culture Test?
This test is helpful for:
- People with symptoms of a respiratory infection
- Patients with chronic lung diseases who develop new symptoms
- Individuals who are immunocompromised (e.g., undergoing chemotherapy, HIV-positive)
- Hospitalized patients with signs of pneumonia or infection
- People with suspected TB or fungal lung infection
What Type of Sample Is Collected for the Sputum Culture and How?
The sample is mucus coughed up from the lungs, not saliva. Here's how it's collected:
-
You will be asked to take a deep breath and cough forcefully to bring up sputum.
-
The sputum is spit into a sterile container.
-
If you're in a hospital or clinic, a healthcare provider might assist you.
-
If needed, a suction tube or saline mist may be used to help you produce sputum.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample?
Yes. If coughing up sputum naturally isn't possible:
- Induced sputum: You breathe in a saline mist to loosen mucus in the lungs.
- Bronchoscopy: In rare cases, a small scope is inserted through your nose or mouth to collect a sample from inside your lungs.
How Long Does the Sputum Culture Test Procedure Take?
- Collecting the sample takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Lab processing time varies depending on the suspected infection:
When Will I Get My Sputum Culture Results?
- For common infections: Results are ready in 12 to 24 hours.
- For TB or unusual organisms: Results may take a few weeks.
- Reports are sent directly to you via WhatsApp or as a printed copy. Your doctor will contact you with results or discuss them in your next appointment.
What Should I Do After Getting My Sputum Culture Results?
What happens next depends on your result:
- If no infection is found: Your symptoms may be caused by a virus or another condition.
- If an infection is found: Your doctor will:
- Prescribe the right antibiotic or antifungal
- Adjust any current medications
- Monitor your symptoms
- Possibly order follow-up cultures
Is the Sputum Culture Test Painful?
No, it's not painful. You may feel some throat irritation from deep coughing, but it's usually mild and goes away quickly. If a bronchoscopy is needed, sedation is used to make it more comfortable.
What Factors Affect the Cost of the Sputum Culture?
The cost of a Sputum Culture can be influenced by:
- The type of culture required (e.g., bacterial, fungal, TB).
- The laboratory and its pricing structure.
- The complexity of testing if unusual organisms are suspected.
- Geographic location of the testing facility.
- Additional tests like Gram stain or drug sensitivity testing.
How Much Does the Sputum Culture Test Price in India?
The cost of a sputum culture test is influenced by the city, hospital, and lab you choose. In cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi, the cost can vary widely. On average, the price of a sputum culture test in India is Rs. 280 to Rs. 600.
Sputum Culture Test Prices in Different Cities Across India
| City | Price |
| Hyderabad | Rs.280 - Rs.600 |
| Vizag | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Nashik | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Chh. Sambhajinagar | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Nellore | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Chandanagar | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Srikakulam | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Sangamner | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Kurnool | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Kakinada | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Karimnagar | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Pune | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Nizamabad | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Navi Mumbai | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Vizianagaram | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Bengaluru | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
| Warangal | Rs. 280 to Rs. 600 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
A sputum culture test is a laboratory test that is used to detect and identify the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi in a sample of sputum (mucus) that is coughed up from the lungs.
A sputum culture test is usually done to diagnose a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or tuberculosis. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for a respiratory infection.
A sputum culture test requires a sample of sputum, which is typically collected by coughing up phlegm from the lungs into a sterile container. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis, where it is cultured to identify the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the test to ensure that the sample is as pure as possible. Your doctor may also ask you to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water before collecting the sample.
No, it's not painful. You may feel some throat irritation from deep coughing, but it's usually mild and goes away quickly. If a bronchoscopy is needed, sedation is used to make it more comfortable.
The results of a sputum culture test can take several days to a week to be processed and analyzed. Your healthcare provider will inform you of the results once they are available.
There are no significant risks associated with a sputum culture test. However, some people might experience mild discomfort or nausea while coughing up sputum. Additionally, there is a small risk of infection if the sample is not collected or handled properly.
The cost of a sputum culture test is approximately Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000. The price can differ from place to place.
You can get a sputum culture test at Medicover Hospitals.
It is a lab test used to detect bacteria or fungi in the mucus (sputum) from your lungs and identify which antibiotics can effectively treat the infection.
