Sputum is a substance which is produced when the passage between mouth and lungs get irritated due to something such as smoke or air pollution. This is when your body makes sputum. It is also called phlegm. It is a substance that is produced from the chest when your lungs or airways are infected. When you cough continuously your body tries to get rid of that phlegm and it indicates that you might be suffering from some illness.

In this case, doctor suggests you get a sputum culture test so that he can assure the reason behind the illness. Sputum culture test helps him to know the exact reason for the illness, which could be due to bacteria, bronchitis, tuberculosis or pneumonia.

How it is conducted?

All you need to do is take a deep breath and cough hard until sputum comes up in your mouth and spit the sputum into the sample bottle. Your doctor might advise you to neglect a meal. Approximately 5 ml of sputum is collected to do this test.

How to prepare for this test:

It is good to drink lots of fluid such as water or tea the night before the test as this helps your body make more sputum overnight. Sputum collected in the morning makes the test more accurate as more bacteria are present first thing in the morning. Brush your teeth; do not use antiseptic mouth wash. Then all you need to do is take a deep breath and cough hard until sputum comes up then spit the sputum in the sample bottle.

Average cost of the test in Siliguri:

In Siliguri, the average cost of sputum culture test is approximately 500 to 800 INR.

Is a prescription required to do this test?

No, prescription is not required to do this test, but it good to consult a doctor.

Where can I do this test:

There are lots of labs available in Siliguri who perform these tests. Hence you can get it done at any of the pathology labs nearby you or can even get it done at doctor’s clinic as per your preference.

Is this test painful?

No this test is not painful nor has any side-effects, but deep coughing can cause some minimal discomfort as it could lead to some chest pain after giving sample.

Importance of the test:

The colour of sputum helps the doctor determine the type of illness like in case of pneumonia or bronchitis the colour of sputum generally is off white, yellow or green. If the colour of sputum is red or rusty you could be suffering from a serious condition that would require further testing. Grey or back colour sputum indicates that you are a smoker or someone who works in a sooty place such as coal mines. Sputum culture helps you determine the type of illness and helps you take preventative measures to cure the illness.