What are the limitations of sputum cytology?
What are the limitations of sputum cytology?
Like any medical test, there can be risks associated with a sputum cytology exam, but the most important “risk” is that the test will miss what it is looking for. Since the test requires people to “cough up” sputum, it may be uncomfortable and can stimulate coughing “jags” for people with lung disease.
Are sputum examination always reliable?
It is very important that the results from your sputum test are accurate. Collecting 3 sputum samples can improve the accuracy of your test results. Your health care provider will let you know if you can collect the 3 sputum samples on the same day or if you should collect the sputum on separate days.
How is sputum collected for cytology?
Sputum cytology is the testing of lung secretions or phlegm to look for cancerous cells. The patient coughs up a sample of mucus, which is viewed under the microscope to identify possible cancer cells. Samples are often collected early in the morning for several days.
Which constitutes a good sample for sputum microscopy?
Some studies have shown that the diagnostic yield increases with each specimen that is examined5,6 leading to the recommendation that serial sputum smear examination is better than single sample. WHO in its tuberculosis control program strategy recommends spot, morning, spot (SMS) sampling method.
What does sputum test reveal?
A sputum test, also known as a sputum culture, is a test that your doctor may order when you have a respiratory tract infection or other lung-related disorder to determine what is growing in the lungs. Sputum is a thick substance that accumulates when bacteria or fungi grows and multiples in the lungs or bronchi.
How is sputum examined?
Sputum cytology examination is using a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present in sputum samples. The thin layer of sputum placed on a slide before specific staining and diagnosed directly under the microscope helps find out some abnormal cells.
What if sputum test is negative?
When a patient is “culture negative,” there are no detectable TB organisms in his/her sputum and the patient is considered completely non-contagious. The likelihood of transmission derives primarily from factors related to the TB patient or the environments in which contacts are exposed.
How do you read sputum test results?
Sputum Culture
- Clear. This usually means no disease is present, but large amounts of clear sputum may be a sign of lung disease.
- White or gray. This may also be normal, but increased amounts may mean lung disease.
- Dark yellow or green. This often means a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia.
- Brown.
- Pink.
- Red.
What is smear positive TB?
Globally PTB accounts for 85 % of all TB cases; among them smear positive PTB comprises 75–80 %. Smear positive PTB is the most infectious and most likely transmit from human to human and the infection prevention and control programs are air borne precautions.
What is sputum cytology not used to diagnose?
Lung cancer. But sputum cytology is not used as a screening test for people at risk for developing lung cancer, such as smokers. Noncancerous lung conditions, such as pneumonia or inflammatory diseases, tuberculosis, or the buildup of asbestos fibers in the lungs (asbestosis).
How is sputum culture culture done?
If the patient has difficulties to cough up enough sputum, the medical professionals may apply some physiotherapeutic maneuvers, which allow the progressive release of the sputum. Routine sputum culture requires that one sample is collected and sent to the lab on the same day of collection.
What is a sputum analysis?
The sputum analysis involves an analytical approach to investigate the cellular and acellular components expelled from the patient’s upper respiratory tract. This procedure is essential in the evaluation and management of lower respiratory infections or other longstanding health conditions.[1]
What does abnormal lung cells in sputum mean?
Normal lung cells are present in the sputum sample. Abnormal cells are present in the sputum sample. Abnormal cells may mean lung conditions such as pneumonia, inflammation, the buildup of asbestos fibers in the lungs (asbestosis), or lung cancer.
