Microbiology
| Full details for "Sputum culture ". | |
|---|---|
Name |
Sputum culture |
Alternative name/Profile |
Respiratory tract infection / pneumonia / Bronchitis / bronchiectasis / Chest Infection |
Department |
Microbiology |
Investigation |
|
Specimen type |
Sputum (Early morning sputum sample is optimum), Endotracheal Aspirate (ETA) |
Sample type |
|
Sample container & volume |
Sterile universal container |
Frequency of analysis |
Daily |
Turnaround time |
5 days |
Availability |
Monday - Sunday |
Notes |
A good quality purulent or mucopurulent sputum specimen should be obtained, preferably before antimicrobial therapy although antimicrobial therapy should not be delayed unnecessarily while awaiting a sputum specimen. Early morning sputum samples are preferable as they contain pooled overnight secretions in which pathogenic bacteria are most likely to be concentrated. The specimen should be transported to the laboratory within 2 hrs. Send sample to the laboratory without delay. Sample should be refrigerated if not transported immediately. Salivary or mucosalivary specimens are unsuitable and as such are not processed (with exception to samples from ICU/Immunocompromised/Oncology patients) Specific aetiological agents have been associated with certain underlying diseases. It is therefore important to include all relevant clinical information. Legionella requests will only be performed if indicated in the clinical details. Please indicate if patient has Bronchiectasis. |
Related links |
For further information please consult: PHE SOP B57 Investigation of bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum and associated specimens.
|
Reference range |
Not Applicable |
Last updated |
Thu, 27 Feb 2025 13:34:40 GMT |