Sputum – Microscopy, Culture & Sensitivity (M/C/S)

The Sputum Microscopy, Culture & Sensitivity (M/C/S) test at Pamel Laboratories is a diagnostic examination of mucus (phlegm) coughed up from the lungs to detect bacterial, fungal, or mycobacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract. This test is essential for patients with persistent cough, chest pain, fever, productive sputum, or suspected pneumonia, tuberculosis, or bronchitis.

It helps identify the causative organism of respiratory infections and determines the most effective antibiotic or antifungal treatment.

What the Test Includes:

1. Microscopy:

   • Examines for pus cells, epithelial cells, and microorganisms

   • Detects presence of bacteria, yeast, or acid-fast bacilli (for TB screening)

2. Culture:

   • Grows organisms present in the sputum to isolate the cause of infection

   • Identifies pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, or Candida

3. Sensitivity Testing:

   • Determines which antibiotics or antifungals are most effective for treatment

Purpose of the Test:

• Diagnose lower respiratory tract infections

• Identify the cause of chronic or severe cough with sputum

• Detect tuberculosis (TB) or fungal lung infections

• Guide accurate and effective antimicrobial therapy

• Monitor patients with chronic lung conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis)

Sample Type: Early morning deep-cough sputum sample collected in a sterile, leak-proof container

Turnaround Time:

• Microscopy: Within a few hours

• Culture & Sensitivity: 48–72 hours

Collection Instructions:

• Rinse mouth with clean water before collection

• Avoid saliva contamination — deep cough from lungs is required

• Best collected before starting antibiotics