i like your idea fiona, but don't feel it is quite complete. i think one treatment is probably all we could hope to do given the time constraints you speak of, but it's important to consider that sputum characteristics are not the be all and end all. that said, is anything better? as shane said, is there sufficient time to say that there will be a significant benefit from treating them, especially if only once?

i like the idea of using the cpis. evidence of aspiration would be another factor, but isn't always clear. how many times do you read "? aspirated" in the medical notes? if they did aspirate, the amount aspirated and the effects are so variable, that this is perhaps only of limited value.