Sputum is mucus that is coughed up from the lower airways (the trachea and bronchi). In medicine, sputum samples are usually used for a naked eye examination, microbiological investigation of respiratory infections and cytological investigations of respiratory systems. It is crucial that the specimen does not include any mucoid material from the nose or oral cavity. A naked eye exam of the sputum can be done at home by a patient in order to note the various colors (see below). Any hint of yellow or green color (pus) suggests an airway infection (but does not indicate the type of organism causing it). Such color hints are best detected when the sputum is viewed on a very white background such as white paper, a white pot or a white sink surface. The more intense the yellow color, the more likely it is a caused by an infection (bronchitis, bronchopneumonia or pneumonia). Having green, yellow, or thickened phlegm (sputum) does not always indicate the presence of an infection. Also, if an infection is present, the color of the phlegm (sputum) does not determine whether a virus, a bacterium or another pathogen has caused it. Simple allergies can also cause changes in the color of the mucus. Description
The best sputum samples contain very little saliva, as saliva contaminates the sample with oral bacteria. This is especially true for samples for laboratory testing in cytology or microbiology. Specimen adequacy is assessed by the laboratory technologists by examining a Gram stain or cytology stain of the sputum.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. is an American company that markets and distributes over-the-counter healthcare and household cleaning products. It was formed by the merger of Medtech Products, Inc., Prestige Brands International, and the Spic and Span Company in 1996. The company is headquartered in Tarrytown, New York.Among the brands owned by Prestige Brands are Chloraseptic sore throat products, Clear Eyes, Compound W wart treatment, Dramamine motion sickness treatment, Efferdent denture care, Ludens throat drops, BC Powder and Goodys Headache Powder, Pediacare & Little Remedies childrens OTC products, Beano (dietary supplement), Comet and Spic and Span household cleaning products. The companys CEO and president is Ron Lombardi, who replaced Matthew Mannelly on June 1, 2015. History
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. was established in 1999 to acquire, revitalize, and line extend leading, often neglected but healthy brands that were considered non-core at major consumer products companies. In 2004, MidOcean Partners sold Prestige Brands to GTCH Golder Rauner. Acquisitions
The company acquired Blacksmith Brands portfolio of five brands in 2010. In December 2011, the company agreed to purchase 17 brands from GlaxoSmithKline including BC Powder, Beano, Ecotrin, Fiber Choice, Goodys Powder, Sominex and Tagamet for $660 million.In 2013, Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. acquired Care Pharmaceuticals of Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia, a privately held marketer and distributor of over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare brands for children and adults.In 2014, the company purchased Hydralyte in Australia and New Zealand from the Hydration Pharmaceuticals Trust of Victoria, Australia.