Sputum culture (sputum) is an examination of sputum to detect the presence of bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections, especially lung infections (pneumonia). Sputum is a liquid produced by the respiratory tract, and is expelled from the respiratory tract when coughing. In addition to bacteria, sputum culture examination can also detect fungal infections.
Sputum Culture Indications
Sputum culture can be performed on patients who have pneumonia, lung abscess, or tuberculosis, with symptoms including:
- Cough
- Fever and chills
- Muscle ache
- Weak
- Chest pain
- Hard to breathe
Sputum culture can be done after the patient undergoes a chest X-ray examination, to determine the microbe causing the infection. In addition, a sputum culture can also be done to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment being undertaken.
Sputum Culture Warning
The process of removing sputum for culture is safe for the patient. However, if the phlegm is difficult to get out it will be taken through the action of the respiratory tract binoculars (bronchoscopy). This procedure causes discomfort during the procedure and the throat feels dry after the procedure.
Consult your doctor if you are taking antibiotics, corticosteroids, or pain relievers, before undergoing a sputum culture examination. The doctor will ask to stop taking these drugs if needed.
Sputum Culture Preparation
Patients are advised to drink lots of water at night before taking the sputum sample, so that it is easier for the patient to expel phlegm in the morning. Patients were also asked not to eat anything about 1-2 hours prior to collection. The patient will be asked to brush his teeth and rinse his mouth using plain water or a sterile solution, not mouthwash (mouthwash).
Procedure and Interpretation of Sputum Culture Results
Sputum sampling will be carried out in the laboratory in the morning before drinking and breakfast. The doctor will then teach the patient to take deep breaths and cough to expel phlegm, so that the patient does not mistakenly spit out saliva instead of phlegm. If the patient is difficult to expel phlegm, the patient will be given steam therapy (nebulizer) first to thin the phlegm, making it easier to expel. The phlegm that comes out is then collected in a sterile container for examination.
Certain patients may undergo sputum sampling using the binoculars method of the respiratory tract (bronchoscopy).. Initially, the patient will be given a sedative and anesthetic to reduce pain during the procedure. Then the pulmonologist will insert a camera tube through the mouth and into the respiratory tract. Sputum that appears will be aspirated through the bronchoscope tube. In patients who use a breathing tube, sputum will be aspirated with a special tool through the breathing tube.
After Sputum Culture
Examination in the laboratory takes 2 days to see the growth of bacteria and 1 week to see the fungus. After knowing the cause of the infection, the doctor will give antibiotics or antifungal drugs that are effective in treating it. To see the effectiveness of the drug, the doctor may perform a susceptibility test (resistance) to antibiotics or antifungals after the sputum culture results are positive. The results of the resistance test will be used by doctors to determine the appropriate treatment for the patient.