Can Sputum Test Detect Pneumonia?

A bacterial sputum culture is used to detect and diagnose bacterial lower respiratory tract infections such as bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis. It is typically performed with a Gram stain to identify the bacteria causing a person's infection.

What can a sputum test reveal?

A sputum culture is most often used to: Find and diagnose bacteria or fungi that may be causing an infection in the lungs or airways. See if a chronic illness of the lungs has worsened. See if treatment for an infection is working.

What does a positive sputum test mean?

A sputum culture is a test to find germs (such as TB bacteria) that can cause an infection. A sample of sputum is added to a substance that promotes the growth of bacteria. If no bacteria grow, the culture is negative. If bacteria grow, the culture is positive. If TB bacteria grow, then the person has tuberculosis.