Sputum

Question 1

What is the recommended volume of the specimen container for collecting the coughed specimen?

Answer 1

• The recommended volume for the container is 5-10ml
• Which is sufficient for diagnosing LRTIs such as tuberculosis disease or bronchitis.

Question 2

Which bacteria is commonly associated with pneumonia in ventilator patients?

Answer 2

• P. aeruginosa is the most common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Question 3

What is the primary bacteria responsible for pneumonia in individuals with cystic fibrosis?

Answer 3

• P. aeruginosa is often associated with pneumonia induced in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Question 4

the bacteria that can cause pneumonia?

Answer 4

K. pneumoniae
P aeruginosa

Question 5

What should be evaluated if sputum/saliva before culture?

Answer 5

• If it resembles sputum or saliva, Bartlett’s Classification should be considered.

Question 6

What specific elements are checked when evaluating squamous samples?

Answer 6

• When evaluating squamous samples, both squamous cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are examined.

Question 7

How can you determine if a sample is not a respiratory sample but rather saliva?

Answer 7

• 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)

Question 8

What is the significance of examining ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGE in the context of Bartlett’s Classification?

Answer 8

• The examination of ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGE is relevant when the sample resembles sputum.

Question 9

What are the key steps involved in identifying M. tuberculosis?

Answer 9

• Decontamination and digestion of sputum are essential steps for M. tuberculosis identification.

Question 10

How long does it typically take for slow growers like M. tuberculosis to produce growth in cultures?

Answer 10

• Slow growers such as M. tuberculosis can take weeks to produce visible growth in cultures.

Question 11

What specimen should undergo decontamination and digestion before culturing for M. tuberculosis?

Answer 11

• Before culturing, sputum specimens should undergo decontamination
• Digestion to improve the chances of successful identification.

Question 12

Why is decontamination performed on sputum?

Answer 12

• Decontamination is done to remove contaminants and normal flora.

Question 13

How does decontamination prevent normal flora from growing in the sputum?

Answer 13

• Decontamination prevents normal flora from growing by eliminating them from the sample.

Question 14

What is the purpose of digestion in sputum processing?

Answer 14

• To liquefy the sample, making it easier to detect any trapped organisms.

Question 15

(Under Sputum)
Only the ____________ will undergo decontamination and digestion.

Answer 15

• Non-sterile

Question 16

What is the gold standard combination for digestion and decontamination?

Answer 16

• The gold standard combination for digestion and decontamination is N-acetyl-L-cysteine + NaOH.

Question 17

What is the specific role of NaOH in this combination?

Answer 17

• NaOH in this combination primarily acts as a decontaminant.

Question 18

What role does L-cysteine play in the context of gold standard for digestion and decontamination?

Answer 18

• L-cysteine serves as a mucolytic agent and also functions as a digestive agent in this context.

Question 19

What is Z-TSP, and why is it used in the context of sputum?

Answer 19

• 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.

Question 20

What is the significance of 4% NaOH in the context of sputum?

Answer 20

• 4% NaOH is mostly used for decontamination and digestion
• Because it is readily available which is also double purpose.

Question 21

What is the purpose of using Cetylpyridium chloride and Sodium chloride in the Sputum method?

Answer 21

• Cetylpyridium chloride and Sodium chloride are used in the Sputum method
• To enhance the preservation and processing of sputum samples for diagnostic purposes.

Question 22

When is 5% oxalic acid added for specimens, and what does it target?

Answer 22

• When they are likely to contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Question 23

What biosafety level is required for handling M. tuberculosis, and what type of biological safety cabinet should be used for its culture?

Answer 23

• M. tuberculosis is classified as a BSL 3 pathogen,
• and culture must be done using a BSC Class II.

Question 24

How many specimens should be collected in the context of sputum?

Answer 24

• The book recommends collecting 1 sputum specimen in 3 days, with a positive result considered 2 out of 3.

Question 25

What is the suggested number of specimens for AFB screening by the Department of Health (DOH)?

Answer 25

• The DOH recommends collecting 2 specimens in 1 day, with a positive result considered 1/2 AFB screening.

Question 26

What is BSL1 primarily concerned with?

Answer 26

• BSL1 is primarily concerned with contaminants that are mostly related to basic laboratory practices.

Question 27

What types of exposure does BSL2 focus on?

Answer 27

• BSL2 is focused on contaminants that pose a risk through ingestion and mucous membrane exposure.

Question 28

In which BSL level are microorganisms acquired through inhalation, such as tuberculosis (TB)?

Answer 28

• BSL3 is the level
• Where microorganisms acquired through inhalation or aerosol transmission, like TB, are handled.

Question 29

What is the highest Biosafety Level (BSL) designed for handling the most dangerous microorganisms?

Answer 29

• BSL4 is the highest level designed for handling microorganisms.