The exact cause of the inflammation can be determined only by a
laboratory examination of specimens of sputum or blood. Fortunately,
in most sections of the country, diagnostic services are now readily
available.
The kind of germ is determined earliest by examining specimens of
sputum.[B] Though the patient may have some difficulty in raising
sputum, enough for laboratory needs can almost always be obtained if
its importance is explained to him. The expectorated material should
come from the lungs, and should be as free as possible from mixture
with saliva and nasal secretions. The sputum can be collected in
any clean, wide-mouthed bottle, or a cardboard sputum box, and sent
without delay to the nearest laboratory. Within a short time a report
is returned to your doctor advising him of the findings of the
examination. If pneumococci have been found, the special type will be
named.
[B] Blood specimens are also of importance in diagnosis of the disease
and determining the course of treatment.
[Illustration: _Laboratories are now equipped to make prompt and
reliable examinations of sputum specimens._]