Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Expectorated Sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile Plastic Container
Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:
1. Collect under direct supervision of nurse or physician.

2. Have patient remove dentures, if appropriate.

3. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily,

    then cough deeply and vigorously into container, and

    collect expectorated material.

4. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,

    date & time of collection, and person collecting.

5. Transport specimen at room temperature.

Specimen Type: Induced Sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile Plastic Container
Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:
1. Have patient remove dentures, if appropriate.

2. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or

    rinse mouth well with water.
3. With the aid of a nebulizer, have patient inhale

    approximately 25 mL of 3% to 10% sterile saline.

4. Collect expectorated material in container.

5.  Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,

    date & time of collection, and person collecting.

6.  Transport specimen at room temperature.