Sputum Culture

Why It Is Done

A sputum culture is done to:

• Detect and identify bacteria or fungi that are causing an infection (such as pneumonia or tuberculosis) of the lungs or the airways leading to the lungs. Symptoms of a lung infection may include difficulty breathing, pain when breathing, or a cough that produces bloody or greenish brown sputum.
• Identify the best antibiotic to treat the infection (sensitivity testing).
• Monitor treatment of an infection.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
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
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.