Test : Bronchiectasis
Indications : The test is ordered when symptoms of Bronchiectasis is suspected in a patient.
Sputum collection is done early in the morning. The patient must refrain from eating or drinking before the test. It is also essential to brush teeth and rinse mouth well prior to the test. Avoid using antiseptic mouthwash. Sputum may be brought up by deep
coughing (expectorated) or it may be or induced with the help of sterile saline or glycerin aerosol. The coughed up
sputum is collected into a sterile cup provided and sent to the laboratory.
A sample of that culture is stained and observed through the microscope and the rest of it is allowed to grow in culture using appropriate medium.
Physiology : Bronchiectasis is a condition of the lungs in which the mucus gets accumulated leading to infections. The condition is more common in children.
In a person affected with Bronchiectasis the cilia in the airways gets damaged and lose their ability to sweep away the mucus and clear the air passage. This leads to the accumulation of mucus leading to bacterial infection.
Normal Range : negative
Interpretation : If bacterial or fungal growth is observed in the culture then a microbial infection is confirmed.
References :
1. https://www.southerncross.co.nz/AboutTheGroup/HealthResources/MedicalLibrary/tabid/178/vw/1
/ItemID/206/Bronchiectasis-Causes-symptoms-treatment.aspx
Careers
If a patient of Bronchietasis comes with foul smelling breath then you must think and treat anaerobic infection. Patient becomes free of smell within 3 days of anti anaerobic therapy.