Sputum collection algorithm for general analysis and bacteriological analysis

Modern laboratory diagnostics is a huge variety of different tests that make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis.

There are diagnostic methods for studying various human biomaterials: blood, urine, feces and others. Among them there is a general and bacteriological analysis of sputum. What are they when it is necessary to carry out these procedures and what are the rules for collecting sputum for general analysis and bacteriological? All these issues will be considered in this article.

Sputum. What is it?

To begin with, you should understand what sputum is. It is a secret that is produced by the cells of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Normally, sputum contains elements such as macrophages, lymphocytes and the like. With any pathological processes, impurities of pus and eosinophils appear in it, and in some diseases, the presence of red blood cells is possible.

When is sputum analysis required?

Not all people had to take these tests. The fact is that doctors prescribe them to patients with any serious diseases of the respiratory system. This is especially true when a patient is suspected of having a disease such as tuberculosis. If the diagnosis is confirmed, sputum analysis will be carried out systematically in order to monitor the dynamics of recovery and determine the degree of contagion of the patient to others. Sputum analysis is also relevant in patients with pneumonia, cancer and lung abscess.

Sputum analysis is of two types: general and bacteriological. You should understand in which cases each of them is carried out and what is the algorithm for collecting sputum for general analysis and bacteriological.

General sputum analysis

With any pathological process occurring in the lungs, the composition of sputum changes. Microorganisms, blood, pus and so on join the mucus.

A general analysis studies the composition of sputum, which allows us to conclude what kind of process occurs in the lungs. It also concludes that the causative agent of the disease, stage and location of the pathology in the respiratory system. In addition, this analysis is prescribed for cancer patients to determine the stage of the disease and the progress of treatment.

Bacteriological analysis of sputum

This analysis is used to determine pathogenic microflora in sputum, which makes it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis. So, the selection of the most effective treatment for the disease.

For example, with inflammation in the airways, it is very important to identify which microorganism is the causative agent of the disease. Depending on the results, an antimicrobial drug with an appropriate spectrum of action is selected.

Material Collection Rules

The procedure for collecting sputum for the general analysis and bacteriological is the same and consists in the following:

1. An important condition for successful analysis is that it is necessary to collect sputum, and not saliva! Therefore, it is better to collect material in the morning, that is, immediately after sleep. The fact is that overnight sputum accumulates in the upper respiratory tract and easily leaves the next morning in a quantity sufficient for analysis. In order not to disrupt this process, it is better to have breakfast after taking the biomaterial.
2. When performing the sputum collection algorithm for a general analysis, you must first brush your teeth, tongue, and inner wall of the cheeks with a toothbrush. Then rinse your mouth with clean boiled water. Some doctors recommend additionally using a weak soda solution (1 teaspoon per 100 ml of water). This will help prevent bacteria from entering the oral cavity into the biomaterial and get the most reliable result.
3. On the eve of collecting the material, the patient needs to drink as much fluid as possible, this will help sputum in the morning without any problems move away from the walls of the respiratory tract.
4. The following action can help to carry out the sputum collection algorithm as efficiently as possible for a general analysis: take three maximally deep breaths, and then try to cough. The amount of sputum needed is small. It can be obtained in just 4-6 coughs.
5. The resulting biomaterial is collected in a special container, which is sold in any pharmacy. It is extremely important to observe the maximum sterility of the procedure, so the container should be opened before the collection of the material, and then immediately tightly closed.
6. After carrying out all the steps, you should transfer the container with sputum to the laboratory as soon as possible. This should be done within two hours. After this time, the results obtained may be unreliable.

As you can see, the sputum collection technique for a general analysis is quite simple. The main thing is to follow the above rules and observe sterility.

General and bacteriological analysis of sputum are very important and necessary methods for the diagnosis of many diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. The main thing is to carry out the sputum collection algorithm for a general analysis sequentially, observing sterility. And then the patient is guaranteed a quick and accurate result.