Sputum Cytology

What To Think About

• There is a chance of false-negative test results with sputum cytology. This means that the test indicates a lung condition is not present when it actually is present. Follow-up testing may need to be done if your symptoms continue.
• Sputum is not the same as saliva. It is important to obtain a sputum sample from deep in your airway. Collecting the sample in the morning, when you first wake up, is generally best.
• If you have difficulty obtaining a good sample, try taking a hot shower first to help loosen the mucus in your airway.
• A sputum culture is a test to detect and identify bacteria or fungi that are infecting the lungs or breathing passages. It is also done to identify the best antibiotic to treat a lung infection. For more information, see the medical test Sputum Culture.
• Bronchoscopy or a needle lung biopsy are more commonly used than sputum cytology because the results provide more information about airway problems. For more information, see the medical tests Bronchoscopy and Lung Biopsy.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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