Specimen Requirements

• Specimen type: Expectorated sputum
• Container/tube: Sterile container
• Specimen 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.

• Specimen type: Induced sputum
• Container/tube: Sterile container
• Specimen 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 aid of nebulizer, have patient inhale approximately 25 mL of 3% to 10% sterile saline.
4. Collect expectorated material in container.