What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a sputum (phlegm) sample to detect the presence of bacteria causing infections of the respiratory tract. It identifies the color and shape of bacteria present.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To diagnose pneumonia
- To diagnose other respiratory infections
- To monitor the efficacy of treatment.
- Are viruses detected on Gram staining?
No, viruses are not detected on gram staining.
- What are the risk factors for pneumonia?
- Age: Children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 years of age are more susceptible to Pneumonia
- Weak immune system.
- Which gram-positive bacteria are detected by this test?
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
- Bacillus
- Clostridium
- Which gram-negative bacteria are detected by this test?
- coli
- Klebsiella
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Proteus
- What happens if I can’t cough up enough sputum for the sample?
Other methods of collecting sample include:
- Inducing sputum by inhaling saline aerosol
- With the help of a bronchoscope.
Normal or Abnormal
- Interpretation of test results:
Normal: Normal test results mean there is no presence of bacteria detected in your sputum sample and the symptoms are due to another cause.
Abnormal: Abnormal test results mean there is presence of infection causing bacteria that may be gram-negative or positive.
You should get tested if you have the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sharp chest pain
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Cough
- Greenish or yellow sputum
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severely low blood pressure.