Respiratory issues can often be signs of infections that need prompt diagnosis and treatment. A sputum test is one of the most effective methods of detecting lung infections.
The sputum test identifies bacterial, fungal, or even mycobacterial infections such as tuberculosis (TB). It shows if there is an infection in the lungs; if yes, what type of bacteria or fungus is it? The sputum test is used to diagnose respiratory diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
In this blog, we will learn everything about the sputum test, its purpose, procedure, test results, and more.
What is a Sputum Test?
A sputum test detects bacteria, fungi, or other germs in your lungs or airways. It helps to detect the presence of pathogens like bacteria, fungi, or mycobacteria that could be causing lung infections. Healthcare providers use sputum tests to diagnose respiratory infections and diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
There are different types of sputum test, including-
- Sputum culture: Identifies the type of bacteria or fungi causing infection.
- Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) test: Specifically screens for tuberculosis.
- Gram stain: Determines the presence of bacteria and helps classify them.
What is the purpose of the Sputum Test?
The sputum test determines whether there is an infection in the lungs and, if so, what type of germ is causing it. It is used to diagnose, monitor, and help plan treatment for various lung conditions.
- Diagnosis- The test helps to diagnose the cause of a patient's symptoms. A sputum culture test helps to diagnose the respiratory tract. These infections can be caused by several germs, and a sputum culture test to determine if an infection is bacterial or fungal. Sputum cultures are used to diagnose several conditions, including-
- Pneumonia- The sputum culture test determines the cause of different types of pneumonia, a lung infection that causes death worldwide.
- Tuberculosis- A sputum test detects tuberculosis, an infection with a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in the lungs that can extend to other parts of the body if not treated on time.
- Bronchiectasis- A sputum test helps to identify the cause of bronchiectasis, which causes airways to weaken, reducing the lungs' ability to function.
- Treatment Planning- The doctors recommend the sputum test to people with lung diseases to know the cause of an infection so that the doctor may recommend the appropriate treatment.
- Monitoring- The test helps to track a patient's condition over time. A sputum test helps to determine whether an infection has improved or worsened.
When is a Sputum Test Performed?
Your doctor may recommend a sputum test if you have:
- Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Cough with mucus that is green, yellow, or bloody
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever, chills, and night sweats
It’s especially vital for patients who are immunocompromised, elderly, or have a history of lung conditions like COPD, asthma, or bronchitis.
What Does the Sputum Test Diagnose?
Sputum tests are essential for diagnosing a range of conditions, such as:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Fungal infections like aspergillosis or histoplasmosis
- Bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) infections
- Lung abscess
Detecting the specific pathogen allows doctors to prescribe targeted medications, improving recovery rates and reducing complications.
Why Do I Need a Sputum Test?
The healthcare provider would recommend the sputum test if you have symptoms of a serious lung infection, such as pneumonia. Here are the symptoms of lung infections-
- Mucus-producing cough
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
- Chest pain that worsens while breathing
- Fatigue
- Confusion
If you have respiratory infection symptoms, your healthcare provider may also recommend a Chest X-ray or CT scan before recommending a sputum test.
How to Prepare for the Sputum Test?
The sputum test does not require any special preparation. Here are simple instructions that you need to follow before the test-
- Drink more water- Before the test, your doctor may advise you to drink more water than usual to produce more phlegm.
- Fasting- You should avoid eating and drinking before the test. However, if you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
- Morning collection- Most samples are best collected in the early morning.
- Follow Instructions-Your healthcare professional will guide you through the process of producing a proper sample.
What Can I Expect During the Test?
During the sputum test, the healthcare provider collects the sputum. Here is the procedure for the sputum test-
Sputum collection
- The sample collection expert will give you a sterile cup and ask you to take a few deep breaths and cough forcefully.
- You have to repeat the process until the mucus comes out.
- A saline mist may induce coughing if you can’t produce enough sputum. You may need to repeat this process several times until you produce enough phlegm.
- The sample collection process will take a few minutes.
There is no risk associated with a sputum test. Forcefully coughing several times may cause slight discomfort, which will be normal sometimes.
Bronchoscopy
Another method of sputum test is bronchoscopy. If you cannot produce enough sputum, your healthcare provider may perform a bronchoscopy. During the procedure, they will give you medicine to relax and then numb the medicine so you won't feel pain.
They will use a thin light tube to pass a sample through the nose or mouth into the lungs and airways. The sample will be collected from the airway using a small brush or suction attached to the tube.
After the sample collection, the sputum test reports will be available within 4 days. Download your report and consult with your healthcare provider.
What Does the Sputum Test Result Show?
The Sputum test results will show the negative (normal) or positive (Abnormal) results-
- Normal or Negative- The negative result means no harmful germs are detected in your sputum.
- Abnormal or positive results indicate harmful bacteria or fungi were detected. The germ or germs name and the approximate amount of germs present.
Abnormal results of sputum culture tests indicate lung conditions like pneumonia, tuberculosis, or bronchiectasis.
What Are the Risks of This Test?
The sputum test is safe and non-invasive. However, some people may experience:
- Temporary discomfort while coughing
- Minor dizziness or gagging
- Very rarely, if a bronchoscopy is required, there may be additional risks, such as bleeding or infection.
Sputum Test Price in India
The sputum test price may vary based on the type of test and location. The price range may vary from Rs 400 to Rs 800. You can book your sputum test from Redcliffe Labs. The professional will provide you with the best diagnostic experience from home. You can book your test online or call a customer representative to book your sputum test.
The Key Takeaways
The sputum test helps to diagnose respiratory infections accurately and promptly. If you are experiencing symptoms of TB, like a persistent cough, or need to check if the treatments are working well, this test provides critical insights. If you're experiencing any respiratory symptoms, consult your doctor and ask if a sputum test is right for you. Stay proactive about your lung health; it could make all the difference.
FAQ’s
1. What is a sputum test for AFB?
An AFB sputum test, or Acid-Fast Bacilli sputum test, detects the presence of acid-fast bacilli, a type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
2. What is the cost of a sputum test for TB?
The sputum test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 800, but the price range may vary from lab to lab.
3. What is positive for sputum?
A "positive" result for sputum tests indicates the presence of harmful bacteria, fungi, or other germs in the sputum sample.
4. Does a sputum test confirm TB?
Yes, a sputum test can detect tuberculosis (TB). Sputum, the mucus coughed up from the lungs, can be collected and analyzed to detect the presence of the TB bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
5. Why is a sputum test done for 3 days?
A three-day sputum test improves the accuracy of detecting tuberculosis (TB) and other mycobacterial infections.
6. What is a good sputum sample?
A good sputum sample is a semi-solid, mucopurulent (yellowish) substance coughed up deeply from the lungs, with a sufficient amount (2-5 ml or enough to cover a fingernail).
