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sputum

File:Enterococcus_histological_pneumonia_01.png · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

EntityQ259346· pop 46· linked from 313 articles

Sputum is mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways (the trachea and bronchi). It is commonly referred to as "phlegm". In medicine, sputum samples are usually used for a naked-eye examination, microbiological investigation of respiratory infections, and cytological investigations of respiratory system.

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Medical condition (new).name
Abnormal sputum
Medical condition (new).synonyms
Mucus
Medical condition (new).image
Enterococcus histological pneumonia 01.png
Medical condition (new).caption
Cocci-shaped Enterococcus sp. bacteria taken from a pneumonia patient
Medical condition (new).field
Pulmonology

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  • Description
  • Interpretation
  • See also
  • References
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Sputum is mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways (the trachea and bronchi). It is commonly referred to as "phlegm". In medicine, sputum samples are usually used for a naked-eye examination, microbiological investigation of respiratory infections, and cytological investigations of respiratory system.

These naked-eye examinations have been found to be successful, but are subjective to the examiner (in a professional setting, a clinician). Current technologies exist that can analyze sputum more objectively, but are often expensive, complex, or difficult to use.

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