Studies which Can Be Used Sputum Analysis Gram Stain Fungal Smear AFB Smear Antibody Probes (DFA) Culture Antibody Testing
Gram Stain Bacteria differ in morphologic characteristics which are useful for to categorize them: Shape - cocci vs. rods Gram stain - positive or negative
Gram Stain Determine the adequacy of the specimen for culture Make a presumptive etiologic diagnosis and early clinical decisions Suggest a need for non-routine laboratory procedure Help make accurate interpretation of culture results Provide a better insight into the nature of the current infection
Gram Stain
Spit
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Staphylococcus aureus
Hemophilus influenza
Moraxella catarrhalis
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) Smear Modified staining technique using either Ziehl-Nielsen or Kinyoun stain Strong Acid Fast Staining - Mycobacteria Weak Acid Fast Staining - Nocardia, Legionella
Tuberculosis
Methenamine Silver Stain
Other Probes Antigen Testing - Legionella urinary Antibody Testing Cold agglutinin Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Legionella Direct Flouresence Antibody Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)