Sputum stain for mycobacteria is a test to check for a type of bacteria that cause tuberculosis and other infections.
How the Test is Performed
This test requires a sample of sputum.
- To do this, you will be asked to cough deeply and spit the substance that comes up from the lungs (sputum) into a container.
- You may be asked to breathe in a mist of salty steam. This makes you cough more deeply and produce sputum.
- If you still do not produce enough sputum, you might have a bronchoscopy.
The test sample is examined under a microscope. Another test, called a culture, is done to confirm the results. A culture test takes a few days to get results. This sputum test can give your doctor a quick answer.
How to Prepare for the Test
It can help to drink a lot of fluids the night before the test. It makes the test more accurate if it is done first thing in the morning.
How the Test Will Feel
There is no discomfort, unless a bronchoscopy needs to be performed.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is performed when the doctor suspects tuberculosis or other Mycobacterium infection.
Normal Results
Results are normal when no mycobacterial organisms are found.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results show that the stain is positive for:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Mycobacterium avium-intracellular
- Other mycobacteria or acid-fast bacteria
Risks
There are no risks, unless bronchoscopy is performed.
Considerations
To increase the accuracy of this test, it is sometimes done three times, often three days in a row.
More sophisticated tests are sometimes used to stain sputum for mycobacteria. Check with your health care provider to see if these are available in the laboratory.
