E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Sputum direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test

Direct immunofluorescence test; Direct fluorescent antibody - sputum

Sputum direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) is a lab test that looks for micro-organisms in lung secretions.

How the Test is Performed

You will produce a sputum sample from your lungs by coughing up mucus from deep inside your lungs. (This mucus is not the same as saliva or spit from the mouth.)

The sample is sent to a lab. There, a fluorescent dye is added to the sample. If micro-organisms are present, a bright glow (fluorescence) can be seen in the sputum sample using a special microscope.

How to Prepare for the Test

If coughing does not produce sputum, a breathing treatment may be given before the test to trigger sputum production.

How the Test will Feel

There is no discomfort with this test.

Why the Test is Performed

Your health care provider may order this test if you have signs of certain lung infections.

Normal Results

Normally, there is no fluorescence.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to an infection such as:

Risks

There are no risks with this test.

References

Banaei N, Deresinski SC, Pinsky BA. Microbiologic diagnosis of lung infection. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 19.

Patel R. The clinician and the microbiology laboratory: test ordering, specimen collection, and result interpretation. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 16.

        Tests for Sputum direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test

         

         

        Review Date: 6/17/2024

        Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
        © 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.