HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Does These Sputum Test Results Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014

Question: Got a Sputum test Done. Please comprehend the report for me: ACID FAST BACILLI SMEAR SPECIMEN SOURCE - SPUTUM ACID FAST BACILLI SMEAR - ACID FAST BACILLI NOT DETECTED CULTURE , SPUTUM SUSCEPTIBILITY CULTURE; SPUTUM SPECIMEN SOURCE - SPUTUM GRAM'S STAIN - PUS CELLS: 8-10/LPF EPITHELIAL CELLS: 3-5/LPF GRAM POSITIVE COCCI SEEN IN PAIRS AND CHAINS: (+) ORGANISM - NO PATHOGENS GROWN. NORMAL RESPIRATORY FLORA GROWN

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: It shows negative report of suspected T.B. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXX Thanks for writing to HCM It shows negative report of suspected tuberculosis. In smear test for AFB(done for tuberculosis),T.B bacillus are not seen. In gram staining there is presence of pus cells and epithelial cells which confirms infection other than T.B. There are presence of gram positive cocci (type of bacteria). However in culture growth there is absence of pathogens means absence of disease causing organisms.There are presence of normal microbes that reside in respiratory tract.These are not harmful. You need clinical correlation.Since infection is confirmed,you need to take antibiotics. Don't worry,infection will be resolved with treatment. Get well soon. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (38 minutes later)

Please guide if there would be any complications for international travel.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Your infection will be controlled by 5-7 days. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXX Thanks for writing back I don't think infection will cause any complications for international travelling. Your infection will be controlled by 5-7 days of antibiotic therapy. Get well soon. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (37 hours later)

Hi Dr, Please Confirm on these below: GRAM'S STAIN PUS CELLS: 8-10/LPF EPITHELIAL CELLS: 3-5/LPF GRAM POSITIVE COCCI SEEN IN PAIRS AND CHAINS: (+) ORGANISM NO PATHOGENS GROWN. NORMAL RESPIRATORY FLORA GROWN. Under Gram's Stain: Pus Cells 8-10/LPF What does This tell. Epithelial Cells: 3-5/ LPF What does this Indicate GRAM POSITIVE COCCI SEEN IN PAIRS AND CHAINS: (+) What does this mean. NORMAL RESPIRATORY FLORA GROWN. What does this indicate. Please guide as one of the local doctor suggests skin infections and pneumonia.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please find detail answer below. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXX Thanks for writing back Your report suggests infection by gram positive cocci in pairs and chains. It may be due to Streptococcus pyogenes or staphylococcus bacteria. Pus cells and epithelial cells are characteristic of bacterial infection like infection due to staphylococcus or streptococcus. Some of the strains of these bacteria normally reside in the respiratory tract without causing any harm.These are called as normal respiratory flora. Your doctor has right said that you are suffering form pneumonia either due to staphylococcus or streptococcus and it can be easily cured by antibiotics. Get well soon. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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