What Do These Sputum Test Reports Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 7 Jul 2017

Question: Hello, I received the results below for sputum tests done recently. Are these normal?
1. Microbiology Microscopy Report
Gram Stain Final
WBC 1+ /HPF
Rbc NOT OBSERVED /HPF
GRAM 1+ GRAM POSITIVE COCCI

2. Microbiology Culture Report
Sputum Culture Final
Mixed upper respiratory tract flora isolated

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion follows.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
If the test was done for a cough with sputum, it shows gram positive cocci in the smear which can be streptococci . If you still have symptoms, you would require antibiotics active against the same.
The culture shows a growth a mixed flora which is due to the mouth contents mixing with the sputum. Since there is no single organism like streptococcal pneumoniae or other respiratory pathogen, it is not a serious situation.
If you are cured of your symptoms, you need not do any thing more.

Do get back to me if you have further queries.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar