Collection Instructions

EXPECTORATED SPUTUM SPECIMENS:

1. Instruct patient that material must be produced from a DEEP cough. Saliva or postnasal discharge are not suitable and may lead to erroneous results or rejection of specimen for culture. Early morning specimens may be advisable as secretions accumulate overnight and are more easily expelled.

2. If possible, have patient rinse mouth and gargle with water prior to sputum collection.

3. Collect sample in sterile sputum container.

4. Deliver to laboratory as soon as possible; keep specimen refrigerated until delivered.

INDUCED SPUTUM SPECIMENS:

1. Using a wet toothbrush, brush the buccal mucosa, tongue and gums prior to the procedure.

2. Rinse the patient's mouth thoroughly with water.

3. Using an ultrasonic nebulizer, have the patient inhale approximately 20 to 30ml of 3 to 10% of 0.85% NaCl.

4. Collect induced sputum in a sterile, leak proof container or other suitable sterile collection assembly.

5. Deliver to laboratory as soon as possible; keep refrigerated until delivered.

TRACHEAL ASPIRATES:

1. Collect tracheal suction material according to standard protocol.

2. Submit specimen in sterile sputum trap.

3. Deliver to laboratory as soon as possible; keep refrigerated until delivered.