Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
13:28
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Induced sputum in asthma: from bench to bedside
P Bakakos1, F Schleich, M Alchanatis
11st Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece. petros44@hotmail.com
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|March 25, 2011
Summary
Induced sputum analysis offers a non-invasive method to monitor airway inflammation in asthma and COPD. Sputum eosinophil counts help predict treatment response and guide inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Biomarker Research
- Respiratory Inflammation
Background:
- Growing interest in non-invasive biomarkers for airway inflammation in asthma and COPD.
- Sputum induction is a safe and well-tolerated procedure with validated cell count and mediator measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role and application of induced sputum markers in respiratory diseases.
- To highlight the utility of sputum analysis in asthma management and phenotyping.
Main Methods:
- Review of European Respiratory Society guidelines on sputum induction.
- Analysis of induced sputum for cell counts and soluble mediators (e.g., eosinophils, nitric oxide derivatives, cytokines).
Main Results:
- Sputum eosinophilia (>3%) is characteristic of asthma, aiding in predicting response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
- Induced sputum analysis provides insights into airway inflammation, disease phenotypes, and treatment response in asthma.
- Sputum induction is the only non-invasive measure of airway inflammation with a proven role in asthma management.
Conclusions:
- Induced sputum analysis is a valuable tool for guiding clinical management in asthma.
- Further application of other induced sputum markers may enhance clinical practice for respiratory conditions.
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