Collection of Sputum for Cytologic Examination

Abstract

A PREREQUISITE for the successful detection of cancer cells in sputum is an adequate specimen, the microscopical criterion for which is the presence of alveolar histiocytes ("dust" cells). Although most patients with disease of the lower respiratory tract cough, their sputum may consist only of saliva, oral squamous cells, mouth organisms and food particles. Other specimens, especially first morning sputum, consist of "postnasal drip" that accumulated during the night and is characterized microscopically by mucopurulent exudate, with or without large ciliated columnar cells from the upper respiratory passages.Most patients who have lung disease can produce suitable specimens after adequate . . .