Sputum Results

I think epithelial cells seen mean that the sputum has mouth saliva mixed in and the specimen has to be from deep in the lung to give the best results (my samples all say no epithelial cells seen. I don't know how few or many of those epithelial cells make the sample unacceptable. Does that make sense. I could be wrong though. Try google

Thanks for the question! I also just got my results back and had the same message. I had no idea what it meant either.

My test also said:
Many Gram positive cocci in pairs and chains
Many Gram negative rods
Rare Gram negative diplococci

This is just the preliminary results of staining and viewing slides of the specimens. If there were enough epithelial cells to indicate all or most of the samples were saliva instead of mucus, the clinic would have called for another specimen.

The rest of the results say there is bacteria in the specimen, but the exact type must be determined by placing the specimen on a petri dish coated with growing medium and incubating it for 6-8 weeks. They examine it and see exactly what bacteria is in your lungs, how concentrated it is, and which antibiotics it is susceptible to. Finally, the docs take this info, your lung images and your overall symptoms and health into consideration and recommend a treatment plan.

It is typical to feel anxious while you wait for answers, but so far no one has figured out a quicker way to do this accurately.

What were you told at NJH?
Sue

My appointment at NJH is not until May 2. I have also been on the big 3 for 2 months now, and doing quite well with the treatment. I really appreciate you helping me to understand what may be going on.

From what I found it means that a true lower respiratory tract sample was collected.