The name of the sputum stain is Sputum Gram stain.
A Sputum Gram stain is a crucial laboratory test used to identify bacteria present in a sputum sample. Sputum is the mucus and other matter coughed up from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. This stain helps doctors diagnose and treat various respiratory infections.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Purpose: The primary purpose of a sputum Gram stain is to detect and differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall properties.
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Procedure: The sputum sample is smeared on a slide, stained with Gram stain, and then examined under a microscope.
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Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative: The Gram stain differentiates bacteria into two main groups:
- Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet stain and appear purple under the microscope.
- Gram-negative bacteria lose the crystal violet stain but take up the counterstain (safranin) and appear pink or red.
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Clinical Significance: Identifying the type of bacteria present in the sputum helps healthcare professionals determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment for respiratory infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung infections. The Gram stain results can guide initial treatment while awaiting the results of a sputum culture, which provides a more definitive identification of the specific bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivities.
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Example: If a sputum Gram stain reveals Gram-positive cocci in clusters, Staphylococcus aureus might be suspected as a causative agent of pneumonia. Conversely, Gram-negative rods might suggest Klebsiella pneumoniae or other Gram-negative bacteria.
