M192-2

Sputum: Normal respiratory flora (Haemophilus parainfluenzae) – Ungraded. Shipped August 12, 2019. FINAL RESULT

HISTORY

A simulated sputum sample collected from a 77-year-old male with COPD and cough was sent to category A laboratories.

Participants were expected to recognize Haemophilus parainfluenzae as normal respiratory flora and refrain from further workup and reporting.

MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from M192-2

1. Laboratories should recognize organisms that are likely to be normal oropharyngeal/respiratory flora and report accordingly.

2. Identifying and reporting isolates that are considered normal flora in a sputum sample is discouraged.

Full critique (PDF)