Sputum Culture [posted 10/20/98]
Question: I am a nurse who needs to know if there are any circumstances under which a 4+ Sputum culture result w/ a susceptibility panel (Pseudomonas) be considered "just a colonization" or does this result always indicate a definite infection? Should this condition be treated w/an indicated antibiotic, barring an unusual circumstance such as pt. allergic to all indicated meds., very debilitated, etc., or is it o.k. not to treat?

Answer: First, did the sample have white blood cells in it -to ensure that it wasn't spit? Secondly, pseudomas is a motile organism and can overrun a plate-obscurring other organisms. So clinical evaluation of the patient is necessary to ensure that they have a pulmonary condition consistent with the culture. When all else fails look at the patient.

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