A sputum culture is a lab test on the phlegm (sputum) you cough up from deep in your lungs. The test tries to grow and identify germs that may be causing a chest or lung infection. The sputum culture test grows bacteria or other germs from your sputum sample so the lab can identify the infection and check which medicines will treat it best.

Before the Test

Cough up sputum from deep in your chest, not just saliva from the mouth.

Rinse your mouth with plain water before giving the sample.

Try to collect an early morning sample if advised, and before starting antibiotics if possible.

During the Test

A trained Orange Health Labs professional will collect your sample during the visit.

Follow the instructions given to you at the time of collection.

The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for testing.

Let the collection team know if you feel unwell during the procedure.

It is recommended:

To find the cause of a long-lasting or severe chest infection.

To identify the germ behind pneumonia or bronchitis.

To help diagnose tuberculosis (TB).

To guide the right antibiotic treatment.

When you have a productive cough that your doctor wants to investigate. An early morning sample is often best, as it is richer in material from the lungs.