SPUTUM SMEAR Meaning and
Definition
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Sputum smear refers to a diagnostic laboratory test conducted to examine respiratory samples, specifically sputum, for the presence of bacteria, fungi, virus, or abnormal cells. Sputum is the mucus or phlegm that is expectorated or coughed up from the respiratory tract, including the lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
The sputum smear test involves collecting a sputum sample from the patient, which is obtained by asking them to cough deeply and expel phlegm into a sterile container. The collected sample is then spread thinly and evenly onto a glass slide. Following this, a suitable staining method, such as the Ziehl-Neelsen or Gram stain, is applied to the slide. These stains help to visualize and differentiate the particular microorganisms present in the sputum. The stained slide is then examined under a microscope by a trained medical technologist or pathologist.
The main purpose of a sputum smear is to detect the presence of bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the causative agent of tuberculosis), fungi, or abnormal cells (such as cancer cells) in the respiratory tract. The test is valuable in diagnosing respiratory infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Additionally, it aids in monitoring treatment progress and identifying drug-resistant strains of bacteria.
In summary, a sputum smear is a laboratory test that examines respiratory samples for the presence of microorganisms and abnormal cells. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating lung-related conditions and assisting in the management of patients with respiratory illnesses.
Common Misspellings for SPUTUM SMEAR
- aputum smear
- zputum smear
- xputum smear
- dputum smear
- eputum smear
- wputum smear
- soutum smear
- slutum smear
- s-utum smear
- s0utum smear
- spytum smear
- sphtum smear
- spjtum smear
- spitum smear
- sp8tum smear
- sp7tum smear
- spurum smear
- spufum smear
- spugum smear
Etymology of SPUTUM SMEAR
The term "sputum smear" consists of two components: "sputum" and "smear".
1. Sputum:
The word "sputum" originated from the Latin word "sputus" (spit or spittle). It entered English in the early 17th century, referring to the substance expelled from the respiratory tract, especially when coughed up.
2. Smear:
The term "smear" originates from the Old English word "smerian", meaning to anoint. Over time, "smear" evolved to describe the act of spreading or rubbing a substance over a surface.
When these words are combined, "sputum smear" refers to the diagnostic technique of placing a sample of sputum (coughed up material) onto a microscope slide, spreading it out in a thin layer, and examining it under a microscope to detect any abnormalities or diagnose respiratory conditions.
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