Sputum Culture

What Affects the Test

Factors that can interfere with your test and the accuracy of the results include:

• Recent use of antibiotics, which may prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi in the culture.
• Contamination of the sputum sample.
• An inadequate sputum sample.
• Waiting too long to deliver the sample to the laboratory.
• Use of mouthwash before collecting a sputum sample.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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