Gram – Sputum: 4+ (>10/oif) neutrophils; 4+ (>50/oif) gram-positive cocci/diplococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae) – Shipped on February 10, 2020 FINAL RESULTS
HISTORY
A simulated sputum sample smear collected from a 56 year old male alcoholic was sent to category A, C, and C1 laboratories.
Participants were expected to report the presence of neutrophils and gram positive cocci/diplococci.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from G194
- In a Gram stain report, the word “gram” needs to be included for clarity for the physician. Comments such as “organisms resembling
S.pneumoniae” would be better reported as gram positive cocci/gram positive diplococci resembling S.pneumoniae. - Gram stain results should be used to guide the handling and interpretation of culture results.
