Transtracheal Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Transtracheal aspiration (TTA) was performed on 87 patients to assess its usefulness in the etiological diagnosis of acute lower respiratory tract infections. Sputum samples were examined concomitantly. Tracheal secretions yielded a higher incidence of pulmonary pathogens in pure culture than did the corresponding sputum specimens, and they were relatively free from contaminants from the mouth flora. The procedure was safe and easy to perform.