The Sputum culture looks at bacteria in sputum and the antibiotics that work. It is done for: pneumonia not improving, chronic lung disease.
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Pneumonia not improving, chronic lung disease.
Deep cough sample, early morning. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Germ identified. Low or negative may mean: No pathogen grown. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Bacteria in sputum and the antibiotics that work.
Sputum
Germ identified.
No pathogen grown.
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex — always use the range printed on your own report.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does the Sputum culture measure?
Bacteria in sputum and the antibiotics that work.
Why is the Sputum culture done?
Pneumonia not improving, chronic lung disease.
Do I need to fast for the Sputum culture?
Deep cough sample, early morning.
What does a high or positive Sputum culture mean?
Germ identified.
What does a low or negative Sputum culture mean?
No pathogen grown.
What is the normal range for the Sputum culture?
Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report.
Why is Sputum culture done?
Pneumonia not improving, chronic lung disease.
Do I need to prepare or fast for Sputum culture?
Deep cough sample, early morning. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Germ identified. Low or negative may mean: No pathogen grown. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
SI text CC BY 4.0; decoder reference data (cited per range); LOINC codes free with attribution (notice included).
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references