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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
13:28
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Induced sputum: a window to lung pathology.
Ben Nicholas1, Ratko Djukanović
1Division of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Southampton School of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. bln1@soton.ac.uk
Biochemical Society Transactions
|July 21, 2009
Summary
Induced sputum analysis offers a window into chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD. Its components, including proteins and cells, serve as vital markers for disease assessment and the discovery of new diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery
- Proteomics
Background:
- Sputum is a valuable non-invasive sampling method for monitoring chronic lung diseases.
- Chronic lung diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
- Sputum contains proteins, cells, and microorganisms that act as disease markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the constituents of induced sputum.
- To explain how these constituents aid in biomarker identification.
- To highlight the role of proteomics in chronic lung disease research.
Main Methods:
- Induced sputum collection and processing.
- Analysis of protein, cellular, and microbiological components.
- Application of proteomics techniques for biomarker discovery.
Main Results:
- Detailed characterization of induced sputum composition.
- Understanding the influence of sputum components on biomarker quantification.
- Potential for identifying novel biomarkers using proteomics.
Conclusions:
- Induced sputum is a rich source for understanding chronic lung disease.
- Proteomics of sputum holds promise for novel biomarker identification.
- This approach can improve disease monitoring and assessment.
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