Overview

People who have a cough, phlegm, chest problems, or chronic respiratory diseases may be suffering from respiratory disorders. To find out the reason and know the germs causing such problems, a sputum culture test may be conducted by doctors.

City Imaging knows that going through such procedures can be rather baffling. Therefore, the company will try to make things better by providing a thorough overview of sputum culture tests, disease cases that go together with this procedure, collecting the sample for sputum culture tests, ways of preparing for this test, etc. The cost of sputum culture tests varies from INR 500 to INR 1300.

What is a Sputum Culture and Sensitivity Test?

Sputum Culture is a lab test carried out on a sample of sputum (also known as ‘phlegm’) from your lower respiratory tract. Unlike your saliva, this sputum contains mucus made in your lungs and bronchial tubes that have been coughed up.

Once you give a sample, it will be looked at and cultured in the lab to identify if there’s anything else going on – such as disease-causing micro-organisms including bacteria and sometimes fungi. If a bacterial infection is picked up then we’ll carry out what's called a “sensitivity” test, or more formally, an "antibiotic susceptibility" test.

This tells us which antibiotics are most likely to work against the bacteria we’ve found, and which might not be effective. It enables us to tailor treatment to suit what's causing the problem rather than just treating based on your symptoms.

Why is a Sputum Culture and Sensitivity Test done?

A doctor might recommend this test if they suspect you have a respiratory infection. Common reasons for recommending a sputum culture include:

• Persistent cough with phlegm
• Thick, yellow, green, or blood-stained sputum
• Fever associated with respiratory symptoms
• Difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
• Suspected bacterial pneumonia
• Suspected bronchitis or other lower respiratory infections
• Repeated respiratory infections
• Symptoms that do not improve with initial treatment
• Monitoring certain chronic lung conditions when infection is suspected

What does the Test detect?

The main aim of sputum culture is to identify which microorganisms may be involved in causing my infection of the lower respiratory tract.

Whether your lab looks for bacteria will depend on how you're feeling and what we suspect might be wrong with you.

They may also search for fungi (if asked) or other microorganisms if necessary. Not all microorganisms present in your sputum sample are necessarily indicating an ongoing infection. There are some organisms that should be normal inhabitants of our mouths or upper airways. It is important therefore that both the quality of your sample and its interpretation by a healthcare professional are considered.

How is the Sputum Sample collected?

In order for you to provide your doctor with the best quality sputum sample he asks you to cough up some mucus. You will be given instructions on how to do this when collecting your sputum as well as what sort of specimen they want.

Once you have coughed up your sputum into the sterile container, bring it down to the lab, but make sure you’ve got sputum not saliva.

A typical collection process may involve:

1. Rinsing the mouth with clean water, if instructed by the laboratory.
2. Taking a few deep breaths.
3. Coughing deeply from the chest to bring up sputum.
4. Spitting the sputum directly into the sterile collection container.
5. Closing the container properly without touching the inside.
6. Sending the sample to the laboratory as instructed.

How should you prepare for the Test?

Preparation needs will depend on both the lab that performs the test as well as the individual’s unique clinical setting. Most commonly, there isn’t an overnight fast required for this particular test.

It is very important that you adhere strictly to all specific directions from your doctor or laboratory if any are given.

Finally, be sure to let your physician or lab staff know ahead of time whether or not you’re currently being treated with antibiotics. This can alter how well your bacteria grows in culture (and thus the result you receive) as antibiotic therapy has been shown to interfere with some bacterial growth patterns.

Don't discontinue taking any of your prescription medications just to get a test sample. Discuss with your doctor if you need to adjust any medication for the tests.

Why is sample quality important?

The quality of your sample will be one of the most important factors when doing a sputum culture.

Saliva collected from your mouth is different from sputum collected from your lungs. If your sample consists mostly of saliva then this does not really give us an indication of what’s going on in the lower respiratory tract.

Sometimes with bad samples we have difficulty interpreting our results and sometimes you might even get asked to provide another specimen.

What happens in the laboratory?

Once you've handed over your sample to the lab they will examine it and process it using the appropriate microbiological techniques.

They'll usually start by assessing your sample to make sure that it's suitable for culture before placing it on appropriate culture media where microorganisms are encouraged to grow. If there is any indication of bacteria which could be significant this would be further identified (the organism would also be subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing).

Please note that this whole process might take some time as microbes would require their own time to grow. Hence there are chances of you not getting your final culture and sensitivity reports right away.

What Is Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing?

Sensitivity tests help determine which antibiotic works best when you detect any bacterial presence.

It explains that every antibiotic fights specific types of bacteria, and some bacteria develop resistance over time. A sensitivity report classifies your medicines as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant based on your testing methods and lab standard reports.

Susceptible: the antibiotic is expected to be effective if used appropriately;

Intermediate (or non-susceptible): antibiotic response may be less predictable depending on other factors including the dose of antibiotic and location of the infection;

Resistant: the microbe is likely to be unresponsive to this particular antibiotic.

How to understand the Sputum Culture Report?

In some cases, your report will indicate if “no significant pathogenic organism was isolated” from your specimen, while in other cases you might get results specifying what microorganism(s) were found.

Negative/No Growth – When you receive results indicating that the lab didn’t see significant growth of the targeted organism under the test conditions doesn’t necessarily mean there wasn’t an infection. Prior antibiotic usage, the quality of the sample taken, or simply the kind of infection you have can impact results.

Positive Culture – When results show that a microorganism was identified/grew under lab conditions, its clinical relevance relies heavily on factors such as what organism was identified, how much they had grown, the quality of your sample, and your symptoms.

In addition to listing which antibiotics were tested for sensitivities, if that was done at all, this section might describe the different ways each one was sensitive (e.g., susceptible) to them.

The report will usually include various other items as well, such as the names of specific types of bacteria found in your urine, the severity of infection, the likelihood of reoccurrence, how long you should continue taking medication before stopping, whether treatment needs to be repeated after initial results return normal values,

Is the test painful?

The process of sputum collection is not painful for the vast majority of individuals. The main problem is obtaining adequate amounts of sputum by means of deep coughing. Some patients may experience temporary irritation of their throat when taking the sample, but those who find it difficult to generate sputum should let the doctor know instead of trying to cough multiple times.

How long does the Test take?

The duration needed for the sputum culture and sensitivity exam will differ according to the microorganism being studied and its rate of growth. Preliminary information may be available quite early however; the final culture and sensitivity report can take a few days. Please check with your lab for the estimated reporting time of your test.

What is the difference between Sputum Culture and Other Respiratory Tests?

Sputum culture is, however, unlike imaging tests like chest X-ray or CT scan.

Imaging studies enable us to assess the lungs’ structure and identify findings such as inflammation or consolidation, and other abnormalities while sputum culture identifies the microorganisms in the respiratory sample.

The two tests can be combined, as each provides the doctor with a different picture.

Other tests may include blood tests, imaging tests of the chest, sputum microscopy, or other detailed respiratory tests that will depend on the patient’s symptomatology.

Who should consider the Sputum C/S Test?

The sputum culture and susceptibility testing procedure is suggested for those patients who show signs of lower respiratory diseases, especially if the incidence is chronic or the treatment does not lead to the expected effect. Patients with specific chronic respiratory disorders or reduced immune system functionality can also be examined thoroughly if any indicators of the disease appear.

Yet, such testing is not obligatory for every patient with a cough. A physician can see whether the test is appropriate or not based on patients’ symptoms and conditions.

Why choose City Imaging for Laboratory Testing?

The sputum culture and susceptibility testing procedure is suggested for those patients who show signs of lower respiratory diseases, especially if the incidence is chronic or the treatment does not lead to the expected effect. Patients with specific chronic respiratory disorders or reduced immune system functionality can also be examined thoroughly if any indicators of the disease appear. Yet, such testing is not obligatory for every patient with a cough. A physician can see whether the test is appropriate or not based on patients’ symptoms and conditions.

How to book Sputum Culture and Sensitivity test online at City Imaging?

City Imaging’s website or call can be used by a patient to set an appointment for a sputum culture and Sensitivity test. Home sample collection is also done by technician visit after booking collection using their website. The reports will be provided to you via email so you don’t have to go anywhere or visit the lab personally.

Which Sputum Culture and Sensitivity test centre is near me?

Delhi based City Imaging has cutting-edge medical apparatus that provides accurate testing. The trained staff understands your questions with care and compassion. The rates for diagnostic testing at City Imaging are reasonable, with various discounts available for poorer patients.

What is the price of Sputum Culture and Sensitivity test in Delhi?

The Sputum Culture and Sensitivity test can be performed in Delhi at a price range of INR 500 to INR 1300. The price may vary slightly depending on the machine used, location and type of test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the Sputum Culture and Sensitivity Test aim to do?

The test allows to find pathogens causing respiratory infection and determine what antibiotics are likely to work when microorganisms are found.

Should I fast before the sputum culture?

Generally, it is not necessary to fast, although instructions can differ. It is highly advisable to adhere to the instructions from the doctor or laboratory.

Can I substitute sputum for saliva?

No. Sputum comes from the lower respiratory tract, whereas saliva is produced mostly by the mouth.

How long does one generally get the results of a sputum culture?

The time taken to provide a report differs depending on the kind of microorganisms involved as well as the technique utilized in the lab. The test may take time as cultivation takes longer.

Do antibiotics impact the results?

Yes, before collection, the intake of antibiotics can lead to lesser growth of bacteria, hence affecting results. Be sure to inform the physician about the antibiotics you are taking but don’t stop the intake of any medication until advised by the physician.

Does the positive sputum culture imply pneumonia?

No, it doesn’t. There can be certain conditions when a practitioner should assess positive results based on accompanying symptoms, imaging techniques, and quality of the sputum sample.