Gram stain of sputum

A normal result means that few to no white blood cells and no bacteria were seen in the sample. The sputum is clear, thin, and odorless.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

An abnormal results means that infection-causing organisms are present in the sample. This is a sign that a bacterial infection may be present. A sputum culture is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Images

Sputum test

Previous Section

Sputum Gram stain Overview

Next Section

Sputum Gram stain Risks

Review Date: 12/03/2007
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)