Sputum Analysis, Bronchioalveolar Lavage, and Automation

• What is sputum primarily produced in?

  Respiratory tract
• What are the main components of sputum?

  Mucus, tracheal secretion, bronchial secretion
• Where is sputum derived from?

  Alveoli, trachea, bronchi
• What is the normal condition of sputum?

  Mucus secretion from goblet cells
• What cells are responsible for mucus secretion in the bronchial lining?

  Goblet cells
• What is the primary function of sputum in the respiratory tract?

  To lubricate the bronchial lining
• How can sputum be differentiated from saliva?

  Presence of macrophages in sputum
• What are macrophages in sputum also known as?

  Dust cells
• What indicates acceptable sputum quality?

  Less than 10 SEC and more than 25 WBC
• Where are squamous epithelial cells (SEC) found?

  In the cavity of the mouth
• What is the composition of sputum?

  Mixture of plasma, electrolytes, mucin, and water
• When is the best time to collect sputum samples?

  Early morning
• Why is early morning collection preferred for sputum samples?

  Highest concentration of bacteria
• What should be done if children cannot expectorate sputum?

  Throat swabbing is recommended
• What is recommended for uncooperative patients to produce sputum?

  Inducing sputum production
• What solution is used to induce sputum production?

  Sulfur Fluoride Solution
• What is tracheal aspiration used for?

  For unconscious patients
• How many consecutive days should sputum samples be collected?

  3 consecutive days
• What is a precaution to take before sputum collection?

  Deep cough to collect sputum
• Why should the mouth be rinsed before sputum collection?

  To remove food residues
• What type of container is recommended for sputum collection?

  Wide mouth sterile container
• Where should sputum samples be collected?

  Outside or in a negative airflow area
• What is the normal volume of sputum?

  No specific volume
• What does a small amount of sputum indicate?

  Not always normal
• What diseases are associated with small sputum volume?

  Early PTB, acute bronchitis, pneumonia
• What does over 100 cc of sputum in 24 hours indicate?

  Possible pulmonary edema or bronchiectasis
• What is bronchiectasis characterized by?

  Bronchial dilatation
• What is a lung abscess defined as?

  Necrosis of pulmonary tissue
• What does the presence of multiple small abscesses indicate?

  Necrotizing pneumonia
• What does over 500 cc of sputum in 24 hours indicate?

  Amoebic abscess infection
• What is the significance of over 1,000 cc of sputum in 24 hours?

  Severe bronchiectasis or cavity TB
• What is the normal odor of sputum?

  Odorless
• What causes sputum to have a sweetish odor?

  Cavity TB or bronchiectasis
• What does a putrid odor in sputum indicate?

  Presence of bacteria
• What does a cheesy odor in sputum suggest?

  Emphysema or lung carcinoma
• What does a fecal odor in sputum indicate?

  Liver abscess due to amoebic infection
• What is the normal color of sputum?

  Colorless
• What does a white or yellow color in sputum indicate?

  Increase in pus cells
• What does a gray color in sputum suggest?

  Influence of pus and epithelial cells
• What does a green color in sputum indicate?

  Presence of Pseudomonas bacteria or bile pigment