Sputum Flashcards
What is the recommended volume of the specimen container for collecting the coughed specimen?
• The recommended volume for the container is 5-10ml
• Which is sufficient for diagnosing LRTIs such as tuberculosis disease or bronchitis.
Which bacteria is commonly associated with pneumonia in ventilator patients?
• P. aeruginosa is the most common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
What is the primary bacteria responsible for pneumonia in individuals with cystic fibrosis?
• P. aeruginosa is often associated with pneumonia induced in individuals with cystic fibrosis.
the bacteria that can cause pneumonia?
K. pneumoniae
P aeruginosa
What should be evaluated if sputum/saliva before culture?
• If it resembles sputum or saliva, Bartlett’s Classification should be considered.
What specific elements are checked when evaluating squamous samples?
• When evaluating squamous samples, both squamous cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are examined.
How can you determine if a sample is not a respiratory sample but rather saliva?
• It is not considered a respiratory sample but rather saliva according to Bartlett’s Classification.
• If a sample contains more than 10 squamous cells and less than 25 polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)
What is the significance of examining ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGE in the context of Bartlett’s Classification?
• The examination of ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGE is relevant when the sample resembles sputum.
What are the key steps involved in identifying M. tuberculosis?
• Decontamination and digestion of sputum are essential steps for M. tuberculosis identification.
How long does it typically take for slow growers like M. tuberculosis to produce growth in cultures?
• Slow growers such as M. tuberculosis can take weeks to produce visible growth in cultures.
What specimen should undergo decontamination and digestion before culturing for M. tuberculosis?
• Before culturing, sputum specimens should undergo decontamination
• Digestion to improve the chances of successful identification.
Why is decontamination performed on sputum?
• Decontamination is done to remove contaminants and normal flora.
How does decontamination prevent normal flora from growing in the sputum?
• Decontamination prevents normal flora from growing by eliminating them from the sample.
What is the purpose of digestion in sputum processing?
• To liquefy the sample, making it easier to detect any trapped organisms.
(Under Sputum)
Only the ____________ will undergo decontamination and digestion.
• Non-sterile
What is the gold standard combination for digestion and decontamination?
• The gold standard combination for digestion and decontamination is N-acetyl-L-cysteine + NaOH.
What is the specific role of NaOH in this combination?
• NaOH in this combination primarily acts as a decontaminant.
What role does L-cysteine play in the context of gold standard for digestion and decontamination?
• L-cysteine serves as a mucolytic agent and also functions as a digestive agent in this context.
What is Z-TSP, and why is it used in the context of sputum?
• Z-TSP stands for Zephiran and Trisodium phosphate.
• It is used in urine decontamination and digestion because it is readily available and serves a dual purpose.
What is the significance of 4% NaOH in the context of sputum?
• 4% NaOH is mostly used for decontamination and digestion
• Because it is readily available which is also double purpose.
What is the purpose of using Cetylpyridium chloride and Sodium chloride in the Sputum method?
• Cetylpyridium chloride and Sodium chloride are used in the Sputum method
• To enhance the preservation and processing of sputum samples for diagnostic purposes.
When is 5% oxalic acid added for specimens, and what does it target?
• When they are likely to contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
What biosafety level is required for handling M. tuberculosis, and what type of biological safety cabinet should be used for its culture?
• M. tuberculosis is classified as a BSL 3 pathogen,
• and culture must be done using a BSC Class II.
How many specimens should be collected in the context of sputum?
• The book recommends collecting 1 sputum specimen in 3 days, with a positive result considered 2 out of 3.
What is the suggested number of specimens for AFB screening by the Department of Health (DOH)?
• The DOH recommends collecting 2 specimens in 1 day, with a positive result considered 1/2 AFB screening.
What is BSL1 primarily concerned with?
• BSL1 is primarily concerned with contaminants that are mostly related to basic laboratory practices.
What types of exposure does BSL2 focus on?
• BSL2 is focused on contaminants that pose a risk through ingestion and mucous membrane exposure.
In which BSL level are microorganisms acquired through inhalation, such as tuberculosis (TB)?
• BSL3 is the level
• Where microorganisms acquired through inhalation or aerosol transmission, like TB, are handled.
What is the highest Biosafety Level (BSL) designed for handling the most dangerous microorganisms?
• BSL4 is the highest level designed for handling microorganisms.
