Specimen Requirements

Preferred:
Container/Tube: Single collection of sputum in sterile cup ur sputum collection kit
Minimum Volume: 1ml
Collection Instructions:

1. The best time to collect a Sputum Specimen is first thing in the morning after you wake up, prior to using a mouth wash or brushing your teeth.
2. The mouth can be rinsed with water to remove excess contaminating fluids.
3. Try to cough deeply from the chest to bring up some sputum.
4.  Expectorate or spit the specimen into the sterile container provided by Outpatient Laboratory or your Doctor.

• a. Remove the bag, open the lid,
• b. Expectorate into the open container ONCE or twice within a few minutes, avoiding contamination with saliva.
• c. Collect no more than 5 – 8 mL of sputum into the container.
• d. The lid should then be closed and the bag replaced over the top of the system.

5. Please try to avoid excess spit or saliva, as this and may cause you to be requested to try another collection of your specimen. (See note below)
6. LABEL your specimen with your full name, birth date, date and time of collection.
7. The specimen needs to be returned to the Outpatient Lab within 2hrs of collection.
8. Under some circumstances where this is not possible, you may store your specimen in the refrigerator (for up-to 24hrs ONLY) and return it as soon as possible although this may reduce the detection of some pathogens.