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What Does The Following Result Of Respiratory Gram Stain Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015
Question: Results of Respiratory Gram Stain: many WBC, <10 squamous epithelial cells, moderate normal oropharngeal flora seen. What dose this mean?
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Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are having infection in throat.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your concern.
Your sputum report is suggestive of infection.
WBCs (white blood cells) are seen in infection.
Squamous epithelial cells are seen in oral cavity.
It's number is less than 10, this suggests that sputum sample, you have given is from alveoli (lungs) and not from mouth or throat.
So this is considered as good quality sputum.
And it shows plenty of WBCs, so this suggest that you are having lung infection.
Possibility of bacterial infection is more likely because bacterial pneumonia can cause many WBCs in sputum.
So on the basis of this report, in my opinion, you should get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. Chest x ray.
Chest x ray is needed to rule out pneumonia.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
2. What are your symptoms?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Drkaushal85

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 15005 Questions

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What Does The Following Result Of Respiratory Gram Stain Indicate?

Brief Answer: You are having infection in throat. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your concern. Your sputum report is suggestive of infection. WBCs (white blood cells) are seen in infection. Squamous epithelial cells are seen in oral cavity. It's number is less than 10, this suggests that sputum sample, you have given is from alveoli (lungs) and not from mouth or throat. So this is considered as good quality sputum. And it shows plenty of WBCs, so this suggest that you are having lung infection. Possibility of bacterial infection is more likely because bacterial pneumonia can cause many WBCs in sputum. So on the basis of this report, in my opinion, you should get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. Chest x ray. Chest x ray is needed to rule out pneumonia. Please let me know 1. Do you smoke? 2. What are your symptoms? Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.