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Culture Aerobic Sputum Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Culture Aerobic Sputum Test

Short Name: Aerobic Sputum Culture

Also known as: Sputum Culture Test, Sputum Bacterial Culture, Respiratory Culture Test

Culture Aerobic Sputum Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹936. Uses Conventional Culture, Automated Identification, Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing on Sputum samples. Results in Results typically available within 3 days after sample collection, with reports delivered via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Microbiological Culture🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

To identify the presence of bacteria or fungi causing respiratory infections and to determine antibiotic sensitivity if indicated, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Test Code
384
Price
₹936
Sample Type
Sputum
Result Time
Results typically available within 3 days after sample collection, with reports delivered via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Conventional Culture, Automated Identification, Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation required. Inform your doctor about any current medications, especially antibiotics.

Method: Deep coughing to produce sputum sample

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Cough deeply to produce sputum from the lungs and spit into the sterile container provided. Avoid saliva contamination.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Seal the container tightly and store refrigerated until pickup or delivery to maintain sample integrity.

Timeline: Results typically available within 3 days after sample collection, with reports delivered via online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No special preparation required. Inform your doctor about any medications.
2
During the Test:You will be asked to cough deeply and provide a sputum sample in a sterile container.
3
After the Test:The sample is sent to the lab for analysis. Results are available in 3 days.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To identify the presence of bacteria or fungi causing respiratory infections and to determine antibiotic sensitivity if indicated, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

How to Prepare

  • Use a sterile container provided by DNA Labs India
  • Collect sample early in the morning for best results
  • Ensure the sample is sputum, not saliva
  • Label the container with your name and date

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052

"This test is essential for diagnosing bacterial or fungal respiratory infections and guiding targeted antibiotic therapy to ensure effective treatment."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSputum
Sample Volume5-10 mL (minimum 1 mL)
ContainerSterile screw-capped container
Collection MethodDeep coughing to produce sputum sample

Sample Stability

Room Temperature2 hours
Refrigerated48 hours
FrozenNot applicable
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL)
  • Leaking or non-sterile container
  • Contaminated sample with saliva
  • Sample collected in stability period

Understanding Your Results

Results indicate the presence or absence of bacterial or fungal growth in the sputum sample, helping diagnose respiratory infections.
📊

No growth

Normal finding, no bacterial or fungal infection detected. Correlate with clinical symptoms.

📊

Growth of bacteria

Bacterial infection present. Antibiotic sensitivity report provided to guide treatment.

📊

Growth of fungi

Fungal infection present. Additional testing may be needed for confirmation and treatment.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If you have persistent respiratory symptoms, high fever, worsening condition, or if test results indicate infection, consult a healthcare provider immediately for appropriate management.

Limitations

  • May not detect all fastidious or slow-growing organisms
  • Time-consuming with results up to 3 days
  • Requires adequate sputum sample for accuracy
  • False negatives possible with recent antibiotic use

Risks & Considerations

  • Minimal risk of sore throat from coughing
  • No significant health risks associated with the test

Interfering Factors

  • Prior use of antibiotics
  • Contaminated sample
  • Improper sample collection technique
  • Saliva contamination

Compare With Similar Tests

TestCulture Aerobic Sputum TestSputum AFB TestGram Stain of SputumChest X-ray
ComparisonCulture Aerobic Sputum Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Culture Aerobic Sputum Test?
It is a laboratory test that examines sputum to identify bacteria or fungi causing respiratory infections.
Why is this test recommended?
It is recommended to diagnose the cause of respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, or chest pain, and guide antibiotic therapy.
How is the sputum sample collected?
You will cough deeply to produce sputum and spit it into a sterile container provided by DNA Labs India.
Is any preparation needed before the test?
No special preparation is required, but inform your doctor about any current medications, especially antibiotics.
What is the cost of the test at DNA Labs India?
The test costs INR 936, with free home sample collection available across India.
How long does it take to get the results?
Results are typically available within 3 days after sample collection.
What do the test results indicate?
Results show if there is bacterial or fungal growth, and if bacteria are found, an antibiotic sensitivity report is provided.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
The test is safe with minimal risks, such as slight sore throat from coughing.
Can the test be done at home?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for this test across many cities in India.
What should I do if the test shows an infection?
Consult your doctor immediately to discuss treatment options based on the antibiotic sensitivity results.
How accurate is the test?
The test is highly accurate when performed with proper sample collection and laboratory techniques.
Is the test covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Contact your provider or DNA Labs India for details.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

LIMS Integration

Your Data Privacy

Your medical data is protected under Indian law.

Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

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