Sputum Cytology After Inhalation of Heated Propylene Glycol

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Abstract
EXAMINATION of the cellular components of the sputum has gained an established role in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the lung. Although as high as 50 per cent of the persons in a random population raise sputum every day,1the cytologic method still cannot be applied to a large number of patients unable to raise sputum. The potential value of sputum cytology has resulted in various attempts to induce a productive cough. One successful method, the inhalation of sulfur dioxide,2is frequently associated with annoying side effects. Another recent technique, the inhalation of a heated aqueous propylene glycol aerosol, has been reported to be effective and relatively nontraumatic.3-5We have selected the latter method for further clinical trial. Methods Classifications on consecutive sputa submitted from patients during a 15-month period from January, 1960, to April, 1961, were correlated with the clinical data. Patients were excluded if less

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