Methodological aspects in the analysis of spontaneously produced sputum.
Monaldi Arch Chest Dis
; 56(6): 493-9, 2001 Dec.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11980279
Analysis of sputum as a specimen containing inflammatory indices has gained considerable interest during the last decade with focus on chronic bronchitis (CB) with or without airway obstruction, cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The nature of the specimens requires expert skill for handling them and for performing analyses. The analysis of spontaneously produced sputum has been performed less frequently than that of induced sputum. This is surprising as several studies have shown that the collection procedures and the assay methods are highly reproducible. There are several valid parameters of sputum analysis that can be applied in research on airway inflammation and in monitoring therapy of patients. Spontaneously produced sputum can be obtained in a simple and non-invasive way, which warrants further efforts to expand the range of applications of its analysis. Here, we will critically review the procedures for collecting spontaneously produced sputum, for handling the samples, and the requirements for assay of sputum components. This will imply the reproducibility of the analysis, the recovery of solutes, the validity of assays in terms of reproducibility and of linearity of the response, the validity of the assays with respect to association with other inflammatory parameters and with clinical parameters, and the usefulness of assays with respect to their response upon treatment of patients.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Esputo
/
Enfermedades Pulmonares Obstructivas
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Monaldi Arch Chest Dis
Año:
2001
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Países Bajos
Pais de publicación:
Italia