procedures
Sputum Test
痰の検査 (tan no kensa)
A sputum test analyzes mucus coughed up from the lungs and airways. The patient is asked to cough deeply to produce a sample from the lower respiratory tract, which is then examined under a microscope and cultured to identify bacteria, fungi, or viruses. It is used to diagnose pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chronic respiratory conditions, and to determine which antibiotic or antifungal treatment will be most effective.
Sputum tests are particularly important in Japan for tuberculosis (結核, kekkaku) screening, which remains an active public health concern requiring ongoing monitoring.
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Sputum Test |
| Japanese (日本語) | 痰の検査 |
| Chinese (中文) | 痰液检查 |
| Korean (한국어) | 객담 검사 |
| Portuguese | Exame de escarro |
| Spanish | Examen de esputo |
| Filipino | Pagsusuri ng plema |
| Thai | การตรวจเสมหะ |
| Vietnamese | Xét nghiệm đờm |
| Romanization | tan no kensa |
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Read the guide →Last reviewed: September 2026