SPUTUM MICROSCOPY, CULTURE & SENSITIVITY

Test Name

Aliases

Abbreviations

SPUTUM M/C/S

Test Classification

INDIVIDUAL

Department

MICROBIOLOGY

Sub Department

BACTERIOLOGY

TAT Category

ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME

Estimated TAT

TAT Units

HOURS

Test Requirements

PATIENT PREPARATION Rinse the mouth with water & cough deeply after taking deep breaths to get a good quality expectorated sputum specimen. Collect sputum and not saliva.

Clinical Utility

Sputum microscopy, culture, and sensitivity (MCS) are crucial for diagnosing respiratory infections. Microscopy identifies pathogens like bacteria or fungi, culture confirms pathogen growth, and sensitivity testing determines effective antibiotics, guiding targeted treatment for conditions like pneumonia.

Last Review

26th Feb 2026