Sputum (lung or bronchial secretions) are coughed directly into a collection jar. Avoid collecting saliva.
A variety of observations can be made, including:
Viral inclusion bodies
Metaplasia associated with:
Cigarette smoking
Pneumonia
Bronchiectasis
Tuberculosis
Emphysema
Degenerative changes
Benign Atypia
Fungus
Parasites
Malignancy
Cultures of the sputum can yield identification of microorganisms responsible for pulmonary symptoms
Normal Values*
Sputum Smear
Negative
*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.
