Specimen Requirements

Specimen source is required.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Sputum, expectorated, early-morning

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Have patient remove dentures, if applicable.

2. 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.

3. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, then cough deeply and vigorously into container.

4. Label container with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

5. Nasal secretions, saliva, or 24-hour collection is not acceptable.

Specimen Type: Sputum, induced or suctioned, early-morning

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Induce cough by inhalation of sterile, hypertonic saline, and collect expectorated material. Avoid sputum contamination with nebulizer reservoir water.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth and/or Social Security number, and date and time of collection.

3. Indicate if specimen is induced sputum, as these watery specimens resemble saliva and risk rejection as inadequate.