Asthma Diagnosis: How to Perform an Induced Sputum Test
Understanding airway inflammation through sputum analysis
Diagnosing asthma can involve several different tests to help healthcare professionals understand how the airways are functioning and whether inflammation is present. An induced sputum test provides additional information by allowing a sample of mucus from the lower airways to be collected and analysed.
In this video, Jens Tidemansden demonstrates how an induced sputum test is performed and explains how analysing the sputum sample can provide valuable information about airway inflammation as part of an asthma assessment.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- What an induced sputum test is and why it may be used
- How sputum is collected during the test
- How the sputum sample is analysed
- What the sample can reveal about inflammation in the airways
- How induced sputum testing can contribute to the assessment of asthma
Why is induced sputum testing used?
Asthma is associated with inflammation of the airways, but the type and degree of inflammation can vary between individuals. Analysing cells and other characteristics in a sputum sample can provide healthcare professionals with additional information about the type of airway inflammation present.
An induced sputum test may be used as part of a more detailed asthma assessment when additional information about airway inflammation is needed.
Watch the video below to see how an induced sputum test is performed and learn what the sample can tell us about the airways.
What should I expect?
During the test, you will be guided through a process designed to help produce a sputum sample from the lower airways. The sample is then collected and analysed in a laboratory to identify cells and other features associated with airway inflammation.
Your healthcare professional will explain why the test has been recommended and how the results may contribute to your overall asthma assessment.
Please note: This video is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
