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
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Laboratories should recognize organisms that are likely to be normal oropharyngeal/respiratory flora and report accordingly.
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Identifying and reporting isolates that are considered normal flora in a sputum sample is discouraged.