Cough plate versus cough swab in patients with cystic fibrosis; a pilot study. Issue 6 (21st May 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maiya, S; Desai, M; Baruah, A; Weller, P; Clarke, J R; Gray, J
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 89:Issue 6(2004)
• Page Start: 577
• Page End: 579
• Publication Date: 2004-05-21
• Subjects: cystic fibrosis -- cough plates -- cough swabs -- collection of respiratory samples; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2003.037481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Accurate identification of lower respiratory tract pathogens is important in the management of cystic fibrosis patients. Aim: To evaluate the cough plate as an alternative method of obtaining respiratory samples for microbiological culture. Methods and Results: Using sputum culture as the "gold standard", the cough plate method identified significantly more positive cases than either dry or moistened cough swabs. Of 20 patients who had a positive sputum culture, 16 had a positive culture on cough plate compared to seven positive cultures each on moistened swab and on dry swab respectively. Conclusions: In this study cough plates were more sensitive than cough swabs in isolating respiratory pathogens in sputum producers. As patients prefer it, the cough plate merits further evaluation, particularly in non-sputum producers.