Sputum is the thick phlegm coughed up from deep in the chest. It is the main sample used to confirm lung TB and to check progress during treatment. A good sample makes the test more reliable.
हिंदी में सार
बलगम (स्पुटम) सीने के अंदर से खाँसकर निकाला गया गाढ़ा कफ़ है, थूक नहीं। अच्छा सैंपल देने के लिए मुँह साफ़ पानी से धोएँ, गहरी साँस लेकर ज़ोर से खाँसें और 2 से 5 ml बलगम साफ़ डिब्बी में दें। इलाज के दौरान भी बलगम की जाँच होती है।
How to give a good sputum sample
Rinse your mouth
Rinse with clean water only. Do not use toothpaste or mouthwash just before.
Take deep breaths
Breathe in deeply two or three times, hold, then cough hard from deep in the chest.
Collect 2 to 5 ml
Spit the phlegm into the sterile container you are given. Saliva (spit from the mouth) is not enough.
Close and hand it in quickly
Close the lid tightly and give it to the health facility as soon as possible.
Do
- Collect in an open area or near a window, away from others.
- Ask the staff to show you how.
- Tell staff if you cannot cough anything up.
Do not
- Do not give saliva or nose mucus.
- Do not open the container inside.
- Do not leave the sample in the sun for hours.
Sputum tests during treatment
For drug-sensitive TB, the programme does follow-up sputum tests at the end of the intensive phase (about 2 months) and at the end of the continuation phase. For drug-resistant TB, tests are more frequent. See after 2 months of treatment.
Smear microscopy
In smear microscopy, a lab looks for TB bacteria (acid-fast bacilli) under a microscope. A positive smear counts as microbiological confirmation of TB. It is also used for follow-up during treatment.
Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have TB. If you have a cough or fever for 2 weeks or more, weight loss, night sweats or blood in your phlegm, go to your nearest government health facility and ask for a TB test. TB testing and treatment are free there.
Free TB helpline Ni-kshay Sampark: 1800-11-6666.
Should I get tested?Answer a few yes or no questions based on the official TB warning signs. Nothing is saved.
Start the checklistFrequently asked questions
What if I cannot cough up sputum?
Tell the staff. They can help you or use other methods, especially for children.
How many samples do I need to give?
Follow your health facility. With upfront NAAT, one sample is tested by NAAT, and if TB is detected a second sample goes for further drug-resistance tests.
How long does a sputum test take?
It depends on the test. Ask the health facility when to come back for results.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.