Cytology – Sputum:
Why Cytology - Sputum Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Sputum is thick mucus produced in the lungs. It may also be referred to as phlegm due to its thickness which may present with pathogenic microbes in the respiratory tract (lung-related disorder) caused by infectious acid-fast bacilli - Mycobacterium tuberculi, legionella, fungi etc. Infection or chronic illness affecting the respiratory airways of the lungs in the chronic stage may present with productive cough (i.e patient may end up with cough-up sputum). The colour of the sputum may vary according to the type of infection and the stage of illness. The sputum may appear colourless, white or grey, dark yellow or green, brown, pink-red etc. Cytology of Sputum: Cytology is a study that examines the study of cells under a microscope. Hence a cytological examination of sputum also helps in identifying the presence of harmful infectious micro-organisms along with inflammatory cells like WBCs etc, on microscopic evaluation. The identification of the infectious causative agent is thus identified (eg. Gram-positive or Gram-negative) to arrive to a definite diagnosis for starting effective medication (such as broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum antibiotics) against it. Additional tests include ESR, CRP, D-dimer, culture and sensitivity tests etc. The culture and Sensitivity test also, in addition, helps to detect underlying pathologies. The main objective of performing this C/S test is to check for the presence of the pathogenic organism and its growth in the given suspected sample specimen. Thus sputum culture and sensitivity test detect the presence of pathogenic microbes helps in differential diagnosis to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. Moreover, Anti-microbial sensitivity tests (also known as susceptibility testing) are also performed in addition, to appropriate antibiotic treatment & for better prognosis. Some of the symptoms include cough which produces a lot of sputum, breathing difficulties, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, confusion etc. Untreated complications in chronic stages can lead to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), lung abscess, pneumonia etc. Other tests include microscopic examination eg. Gram stain, AFB. Supporting tests for confirmatory studies include ESR, CRP, CBC, X-ray studies, ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen – Sputum / Phlegm. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RTDIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
