Gram Stain of Helen's Sputum

The initial sputum sample was obtained from Bob in the office. The nurse gave Bob a cup and told him to spit in the cup. The lab rejected the sample. After you mentioned that could not be possible the lab scanned in one representative low-power field of the sputum sample.
See image below.
First Sputum
What was wrong with this sputum sample? Click on image above to find the answer.

Bob was then taught how to give you a sputum sample.


Gram stain of an appropriately obtained sputum specimen.

The laboratory reported: Many gram positive diplococci, some normal flora bacteria and numerous PMN's were present the smear.

©2000, Neal R. Chamberlain, Ph.D.. All rights reserved.