This mucus-like secretion may become infected, bloodstained, or contain abnormal cells that may lead to an diagnosis.
Sputum is what comes up with deep coughing .
The sputum is then taken to the laboratory. There, it is placed in a medium under conditions that allow the organisms to grow. Sometimes the health care provider will tap on the chest to loosen the sputum. There may be a steam-like mist to inhale to help cough up the sample. There is a disease-producing organism found that may help diagnose bronchitis , tuberculosis , a lung abscess , or pneumonia .