The sputum you cough up is crucial in identifying if you grow bacteria (bugs) in your airways. The sputum you produce in normal state (without a chest infection) tends to be a good indicator of the bugs that cause your infection when one arises – and hence the antibiotic you require for treatment.
When should I take a Sputum Sample?
You should hand in a sputum sample to your GP surgery when you feel an infection coming on. This should be taken before you start your antibiotics. Sputum samples should be placed in a white-topped sputum pot (see opposite) and are readily available from your GP practice as well as the bronchiectasis clinic. This sample will give the best indication of the bugs causing your infection.
The sputum sample should be handed in to your GP surgery as early as possible that day so that the sample is fresh when it is transported to the hospital for analysis. If the sputum sample is obtained in the evening the sample should be kept in the fridge overnight to try and keep the sample fresh.
Taking a sputum sample at times when you do not have an infection e.g. when you attend the clinic for a regular appointment, is also helpful for deciding your long term treatment.
What about Sputum Colour?
Broadly the darker the colour (yellow/green/brown), the greater the level of infection. However, quite dark sputum colour can be produced even when there is no infection in patients with more severe bronchiectasis. Colour charts for sputum (see opposite) are used by the doctors.
What about Sputum Volume?
Larger volumes tend to be an indicator of greater levels of infection. However, quite large sputum volumes can be produced even when there is no infection in patients with more severe bronchiectasis.
Last Reviewed – 10th July 2019