Quality Evaluation of Samples Obtained by Spontaneous or Induced Sputum: Comparison Between Two Methods of Processing and Relationship with Clinical and Functional Findings

• Published in: The Journal of asthma 2002-01, Vol.39 (6), p.479-486
• Main Authors: Bartoli, M. L., Bacci, E., Carnevali, S., Cianchetti, S., Dente, F. L., Di Franco, A., Giannini, D., Taccola, M., Vagaggini, B., Paggiaro, P. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adrenal Cortex Hormones - therapeutic use; Adult; Asthma - diagnosis; Asthma - drug therapy; Asthma - physiopathology; Biological and medical sciences; Bronchial asthma; Bronchodilator Agents - therapeutic use; Cell Survival - drug effects; Cell Survival - physiology; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume - drug effects; Forced Expiratory Volume - physiology; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Respiratory system; Severity of Illness Index; Sputum; Sputum - chemistry; Sputum - cytology; Sputum - drug effects; Sputum quality
• ISSN: 0277-0903; 1532-4303
• DOI: 10.1081/JAS-120004907

The aim of the study was to assess, on a large group of spontaneous or induced sputum samples, the difference in quality between slides processed by two different methods, and the relationship between quality assessment and some clinical and functional characteristics of the examined subjects. We examined 631 sputum samples obtained from 337 subjects with proven (n = 291) or suspected bronchial asthma. Of these, 467 samples were processed using the whole-sample method (Group I), while 164 samples were processed using the plug method (Group II). Salivary contamination, cell distribution on the slide, and cell borders were evaluated, and samples were classified as inadequate, adequate, or good. Inadequate samples were equally represented in both groups, while good samples were represented more in Group II. No significant difference in most clinical and functional findings was observed between the different quality categories of both groups. A higher proportion of inadequate samples was observed in Group I samples spontaneously collected. Mild intermittent asthmatics produced a better quality of slides in comparison with other groups of asthma severity. In conclusion, sputum quality partially depends on the different methods of sputum collection and or processing, although the percentage of inadequate samples is similar for the two methods of processing. Sputum quality is only marginally affected by clinical and functional characteristics of asthma, or by asthma severity.