Sputum Culture

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Recent use of antibiotics, which may prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi in the culture.
• Contamination of the sputum sample.
• An inadequate sputum sample.
• Waiting too long to deliver the sample to the laboratory.
• Use of mouthwash before collecting a sputum sample.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: March 10, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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