Sputum or bronchial aspirates culture
Nasopharyngeal aspiration, mycology, aspergillosis, TB, tuberculosis, Ziehl staining
When to request this test
- Suspected respiratory infection
- Suspected tuberculosis
Interferences & limitations
- Contamination by oropharyngeal flora: take the sample preferably in the morning, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water before taking the sample to remove as much saliva as possible
- Oropharyngeal commensal flora include: viridans group Streptococci (Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius),
- Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Neisseria spp. (non-pathogenic species found in the upper respiratory tract)
- Corynebacterium spp. (often present but non-pathogenic unless Corynebacterium diphtheriae is suspected)
- Candida spp. (frequently found in the oral cavity, particularly in immunocompromised patients, but not always indicative of infection)
- Antimicrobial treatment before sampling can inhibit germ growth leading to false-negative results. It is recommended to stop antibiotics or anti-fungals before sample collection, if possible
- 3 days for microbiology
- 10 days for mycology
- 1 day for TB PCR (45 days to 90 days for TB culture)
- Sample nature: Sputum, nasopharyngeal aspiration
- Recommended volume: 1mL for microbiology (add another sample if TB requested)
- Type of container: Sterile container (cup)
<2h at room temperature