Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Sterile screw-capped container
Collection Instructions: 

Expectorated:
1. Collect an early-morning specimen using sputum collection kit (do not remove tube from outer cover) as follows:

     A. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs which may inhibit growth of mycobacteria.

     B. Have patient remove dentures.

     C. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously  into container, and collect 5 mL to 10 mL of discharged material.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note:  1. Nasal secretions, saliva, or 24-hour collection is not acceptable.
2. Specimen source is required.

Induced:
1. Collect an early-morning specimen using sputum collection kit (do not remove tube from outer cover) as follows:

     A. Induce cough by inhalation of sterile, hypertonic saline.

     B. Collect 5 mL to 10 mL of expectorated material.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note:  1. Avoid sputum contamination with nebulizer reservoir water.
2. Saprophytic mycobacteria in tap water may produce false-positive culture or smear results.
3. Specimen source is required.

Tracheal Aspirate:
1. Collect specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth or medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note:  Specimen source is required.