Collection Instructions

Body Fluids (Excluding Urine):

1. Collect fluid (pleural, peritoneal, etc.) according to standard collection protocol.
2. Submit a minimum of 5 mL of fluid in a sterile leak proof container.
3. Deliver to laboratory IMMEDIATELY.

Bronchoscopy Specimens:

1. Collect bronchial washing or lavage material according to standard protocol.
2. Submit a minimum of 2 mL of specimen in a sterile leak proof container.
3. Deliver to laboratory IMMEDIATELY.

Exudates:

1. Aseptically collect drainage with needle and syringe and transfer to sterile leak proof container.
2. 0.5-1.0 mL sterile water or sterile saline may be added to keep very small specimens moist.
3. Deliver to laboratory IMMEDIATELY.

Sputum:

1. Obtain a "Sterile Sputum Collector" device.
2. Instruct patient to expectorate 5-10 mL of material from a first morning, deep cough into container.
3. Deliver to laboratory as soon as possible; keep refrigerated until delivered.
4. 24-hour pooled collections ARE NOT acceptable.
5. Multiple specimens should be collected at least one day apart.

Tissue:

1. Obtain sample of tissue according to applicable standard protocol.
2. Submit actual tissue (lymph node, bone marrow, granuloma, etc.) in sterile, dry container.
3. Deliver to laboratory IMMEDIATELY.