Sputum & Secretions

Sputum analysis is a vital part of patient assessment, and can give important clues to the diagnosis under the care of a licensed physician.

Some patients will be able to describe the sputum, while those intubated may need to have a sputum induction or sample.

Devices like the tonsil tip suction device attached to a canister can help with oral secretions, while a inline or sterile suction catheter is needed help remove secretions from an intubated patient.

When observing a patient or discussing their care, the respiratory therapist must note & document:

The AMOUNT, CONSISTANCY, & COLOR.

The AMOUNT

Small (scant)

Moderate

Large

Copious (excessive)

The CONSISTANCY

Thin

Thick

Tenacious (dehydrated)

The COLOR

Clear:                                                Normal

Mucoid:                                    Chronic Bronchitis

Yellow:                                      Presence of White Blood Cells or Bacterial Infection

Green:                                       Old or stagnant sputum, Pseudomonas, bronchiectasis

Brown & dark:                      Old blood, anaerobic lung infection

Bright Red:                             TB, Bleeding, hemoptysis, lung tumor

Pink Frothy:                           Pulmonary Edema

Orange (Rusty):                    Klebsella Pnuemonia

Black:                                       Active smoker, occupational exposure, coal miner’s lung

A sputum culture can be used to identify what pathogen is present.

This test normally takes up to 72 hours.