CULTURE & SENSTIVITY OF SPUTUM

Culture & Sensitivity of Sputum test will find microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens that could be infecting a person’s respiratory tract. A sputum sample, which is mucus from the lungs, is collected and sent to the lab where it is cultivated to identify the microorganisms. The test is also used to determine which antibiotics, or antifungal versions will be used to eliminate the identified microorganisms. 

• Chronic lung conditions like COPD and cystic fibrosis can be associated with recurrent infections.  
• Unexplained or long-lasting coughs, particularly with fever, shortness of breath, or chest pains. 

The Culture & Sensitivity of Sputum looks for the existence of microorganisms like bacteria or fungi in sputum and looks for:  

• Identification of microorganisms: The Infection’s causative agent in the form of bacteria or fungi is determining.  
• Antibiotic sensitivity: It is done to know what antibiotics or antifungals will be helpful in quantifying the infection. Helps in guiding treatment by picking the best possible poisons. 

A Culture & Sensitivity of Sputum is commonly prescribed when the patient shows:  

• Persistent cough: No resolution of chronic cough over long period of time in the form of fever, chest pains, or breathlessness.  
• Respiratory infections: Symptoms of pneumonia, bronchitis or tuberculosis are present as well, the physician may order this due to diagnosing the causative microorganism. 
• Chronic lung conditions: people suffering from COPD, asthma, or cystic fibrosis can use this test to keep track of the secondary infections. 
• Unknown infections: In the case of patients suffering from an indefinite duration fever, breathlessness, or abnormal amounts of sputum, this test is useful in identifying the presence of infections. 
• Prior treatment planning: There is a need to identify the right antibiotic or antifungal therapy to be used for an infection. 

• Risks: 
• Minimal risk: There is no real harm associated with the procedure, but discomfort can occur in the form of sore throats, chest infections, or just general soreness when coughing up sputa. 
• Potential contamination: The results are not conclusive if the sputum sample is contaminated with saliva or oral microorganisms. 
• Limitations: 
• Detection issues: Sometimes, no infection will be detected for completely valid reasons. The ways in which the sample is collected may not suit the specific microorganism targeted, so difficulties in growing microorganisms may occur. 
• Delayed results: The absolutions take their sweet time in producing microorganisms, and then more time for sensitivity testing to be done. A period of 24–48 hours is expected for this to occur. - 
• Limited to respiratory pathogens: Microorganisms contained in the sputum are the only ones that can be detected by the test. This test might not be useful if the infection is in other areas such as the bloodstream or the gastrointestinal tract. 

Key parameters assessed during the Culture & Sensitivity of Sputum include: 

• Microbial identification: Microbial identification is the process of pinpointing the specific infectious pathogen whether a bacterium or a fungus or virus. 
• Antibiotic sensitivity: These are the clinical test procedures done on the microorganisms from the culture to check which antibiotics or antifungal drugs can effectively eliminate the infection. 
• Microbial load: The severity of the infection can be determined by the number of microorganisms that grow in the culture. 

The Culture & Sensitivity of Sputum is often prescribed for patients with: 

• Respiratory infections: Patients tend to have complications like cough with production of sputum containing pus, fever, painful abdomen, chest pain, or shortness of breath. 
• Chronic lung diseases: COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis makes one susceptible to infections hence these patients need this test. 
• Symptoms include an unexplained cough: Someone suffering from a chronic cough, especially with fever, chest tightness, or unusual weight reduction. 
• People exposed to someone with risk factors for tuberculosis (TB) have prolonged cough symptoms: It’s useful to undergo this test to rule or confirm the infection for those who might be at risk of TB or have had contact to a case of TB. 
• Personalized treatment plan: With the results of the sensitivity test, your surgeon will adjust your treatment regimen to manage the infection and heal faster with fewer side effects. 

Culture & Sensitivity of Sputum is predominantly practiced for the diagnosis of these issues in medicine: 

• Pneumonia: Lung infections typically caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. 
• Bronchitis: The bronchial tubes become inflamed and may be due to a viral or bacterial infection. 
• Tuberculosis (TB): A critical infection with bacteria from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis family, usually confined to the lungs. 
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations: Worsening symptoms during acute infections in COPD patients. 
• Fungal Infections: Lung infections caused by fungi, for example Aspergillus or Candida, can be identified using sputum cultures. 
• Other respiratory infections: This test can diagnose whooping cough and other infections caused by several agents like legionellosis. 

• To reduce contamination with oral bacteria, water rinsing may be requested prior to mouth sputum sampling. 
• Ensure a deep cough: Sputum should be generated from lungs, not saliva. 

Prerequisites for the Culture and Sensitivity Test of Sputum 

Sputum Sample: Should be collected first thing in the morning, before the patient has eaten or alcohol, and to minimize sample degradation. 

Eligibility for the Culture and Sensitivity Test of Sputum 

Any persons with clinical signs consistent with an infection of the respiratory system, including but not limited to, chronic respiratory diseases and infections. 

Procedure for Taking the Culture and Sensitivity Test of Sputum 

The sterile container for sputum sample is provided within the exam room. The healthcare personnel request the patient to deep cough and spit sputum (lung mucus) into the container and may be required to repeat this process multiple times depending on the infection stage.  

Caution Before Undergoing the Culture and Sensitivity Test of Sputum 

• Avoid consuming food or drinks for at least 30 minutes during the time leading up to sample collection.  
• Avoid using mouthwash and any oral disinfectants prior to the test, as they may impact the test results.  
• If you have chronic cough or find it difficult to expectorate sputum, your physician may prescribe a nebulizer treatment for mucus decongestion. 

Test Preparation 

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