Sputum fungal smear - Overview

Alternative Names

KOH test; Fungal smear - sputum; Fungal wet prep; Wet prep - fungal

Definition of Sputum fungal smear :

A sputum fungal smear is a laboratory test that looks for fungus in a sputum sample.Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when you cough very deeply.

How the test is performed:

A sputum sample is needed. You will be asked to cough deeply and spit any material that comes up from your lung into a special container.

The sample is sent to a lab. A small amount is lightly smeared onto a microscope slide and mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH). The slide is examined under the microscope and checked for fungus parts.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation.

How the test will feel:

There is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

Your doctor may order this test if you have abnormal sputum production or signs of a lung infection.

Sputum test

Reviewed last on: 12/1/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Limper AH. Overview of pneumonia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 97.

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