Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Comparison of cellular composition of induced sputum analyzed with Wright staining and immunocytochemistry
C Lemière1, R Taha, R Olivenstein
1Department of Chest Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, Montral, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
We sought to compare cell counts based on cellular morphology and obtained after Wright staining with cell counts obtained after immunocytochemistry in induced sputum. Counts of eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and epithelial cells identified after Wright staining were compared with the counts obtained after immunocytochemistry through use of mAbs in 25 samples. Agreement between Wright staining and immunocytochemistry was poor for lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Rather than Wright staining, immunocytochemistry should be used to accurately identify lymphocytes and epithelial cells.
Related Concept Videos
Immunocytochemistry and Immunohistochemistry
These...
Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...

