what is Sputum Routine Test??

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Sputum Routine Test used for?

A routine sputum  test is used to detect any harmful bacteria, fungi, or viruses that may be present inside your lungs. Such a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection can not only cause severe discomfort in your airways but could also lead to the onset of other severe complications if the infectious germ is potent enough.

How to understand the test results of the Sputum Routine Test?

If you wish to understand your sputum routine test results, you need to remember a few different sputum colours. Clear colourless sputum is considered healthy, whereas a thick white one usually indicates underlying lung disease. On the other hand, dark yellow or green sputum usually denotes a bacterial infection, while bloody red sputum usually denotes lung cancer. 

Why do I need a Sputum Routine Test?

You may need a sputum routine test for several reasons since this test has many uses in diagnostic reporting. If your doctor suspects that you may have some infectious bacteria, fungi, or virus inside your lungs, then he/she will order a sputum routine test. With the help of the test results, your doctor will arrive at a diagnosis.

What happens during the Sputum Routine Test?

During a sputum routine test, you will be asked to deposit a sample of your sputum that was coughed up first thing in the morning when you had woken up. This sputum sample is kept in a petri dish for several days during the test, and a pathologist at the diagnostic lab observes it.  

What can a sputum test detect?

A sputum routine test can detect any kind of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that may be present in your lungs and even the mucous layer on the inner lining of your lungs. The test results can help a doctor begin an effective line of treatment so that the infection does not spread further.

What is the difference between mucus and sputum?

There is practically no difference between mucus and sputum. The terms mucus, phlegm, and sputum are all synonymous. However, the only difference between mucus and sputum is that mucus is a more general term, while sputum is the mucus secreted by the respiratory tract. Hence all mucus is not sputum, but all sputum is mucus. 

Why would a sputum test be ordered?

If your doctor suspects that you have some type of respiratory tract infection, then your doctor will order a sputum routine test. This test can help a doctor identify the nature of the infection present in your respiratory system. With timely identification and treatment, you can prevent severe complications from respiratory illnesses. 

Does sputum come from the lungs?

Sputum is a type of mucus that is thicker than saliva. It is also known as phlegm and is usually coughed up when the lungs are either damaged or infected by some bacteria, fungi, or virus. The sputum of a healthy person contains no harmful germs, but if you have been infected, it will be saturated with harmful germs.

Is the sputum test painful?

A sputum routine test is not painful and is non-invasive in nature. All you need to do is cough deeply early in the morning when you wake up. If your lungs have been infected with a bacteria, fungus, or virus, then you will cough up infected sputum, which is then used as a sample for this test. 

What happens if the sputum test is positive?

If your sputum routine test results are positive, it means your sputum contains some form of infectious germs like bacteria, fungi, or viruses. If this is the case, you should seek an appointment with a doctor or opt for a free second opinion.

Book an appointment or Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.