Bacteriology of expectorated sputum with quantitative culture and wash technique compared to transtracheal aspirates.

摘要: Techniques to improve the reliability of expectorated sputum culture were evaluated in 46 patients using a wash technique, quantitative culture, and combination washing quantification. The procedure consisted jet tap water over specimen contained tea strainer. true lower respiratory tract flora was determined by percutaneous transtracheal aspirates, which served as basis for evaluating methods processing specimens. Either alone or quantification decreased number specimens with organisms that not present companion aspirates; however, results sufficiently improved be clearly advantageous clinical interpretation achieved only when combined. Washed yielded oropharyngeal “contaminants” concentrations exceeding 106 bacteria per ml 12 (26 cent). Using this one misleading potential...