Aim of study: To determine whether sputum colour is useful in predicting the likelihood of growing bacteria (bugs) in sputum samples analysed in the microbiology laboratory when patients are stable, that is do not have a chest infection.
Key Conclusions: In patients with clear or grey sputum the chance of growing a bacteria is very small (about 5%) whereas if you cough up dark yellow, dark green or dark brown phlegm about 90% grew bacteria. The sputum colour is therefore astrong indicator of the likelihood of growing bugs in the sputum.
Patient Implications: The sputum colour can be used as an indicator of the severity of your bronchiectasis and can help your doctors or nurses decide when you need antibiotics for a chest infection.
Reference: European Respiratory Journal 2009;34(2):361-4
Last Reviewed -13th January 2015