Sputum Cytology

What Affects the Test

Factors that can interfere with your test or the accuracy of the results include a sample that is too small, dried out, contains only saliva, or is from nasal secretions, not your airway.

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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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