Sputum 

is matter that is expelled from the respiratory tract, such as mucus or phlegm, mixed with saliva, which can

then be spat from the mouth. It is usually associated with air passages in diseased lungs, bronchi, or upper respiratory

tract and also a case of pneumonia. It can be found to contain blood if a chronic cough is present, possibly from severe

cases of tuberculosis.

A sputum sample is the name given to the mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways. It is usually used for

microbiological investigations of respiratory infections.[1]

The best sputum samples contain very little saliva[2], as this contaminates the sample with oral bacteria. This event is

assessed by the clinical microbiologist by examining aGram stain of the sputum. More than 25 squamous epithelial cells

at low enlargement indicates salivary contamination.[citation needed]

When a sputum specimen is plated out, it is best to get the portion of the sample that most looks like pus onto the swab.

If there is any blood in the sputum, this should also be on the swab.[citation needed]

Microbiological sputum samples are usually used to look for infections by Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycobacterium

tuberculosis,Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Other pathogens can also be found.

Purulent Sputum is that containing, or consisting of, pus.

Sputum can be:

1. Bloody (often found in tuberculosis) (Hemoptysis)

2. Rusty colored - usually caused by pneumococcal bacteria (in pneumonia)

3. Purulent - containing pus. The color can provide hints as to effective treatment in Chronic Bronchitis Patients[3]:

1. a yellow-greenish (mucopurulent) color suggests that treatment with antibiotics can reduce

symptoms. Green color is caused by Neutrophil Myeloperoxidase.

2. a white, milky, or opaque (mucoid) appearance often means that antibiotics will be ineffective in

treating symptoms. (This information may correlate with the presence of bacterial or viral infections,

though current research does not support that generalization.)

4. Foamy white - may come from obstruction or even Edema