Sputum Specimen Collection
Last modified by
mike_rogers
on
March 16, 2009 02:46 PM
|
UNC Hospitals McLendon Clinical Laboratories 101 Manning Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27514 |
Approximate 40% of sputum samples submitted for routine bacterial culture are rejected based on specimen quality. Specimen quality is determined based on the relative numbers of squamous epithelial cells to polymorphonuclear lymphocytes. The quality of sputum specimens for all types of culture (bacterial, fungal, mycobacterial) may be improved by using the following collection guidelines:
- If possible, have the patient rinse mouth and gargle with WATER prior to sputum collection (no chemical mouth washes/gargles)
- Instruct the patient NOT to expectorate saliva or postnasal discharge into the container
- Collect specimen resulting from DEEP COUGH in sterile screw-cap cup or other suitable sterile collection assembly.
