Specimen Handling Instructions

Patients should be instructed that thin, watery specimens are unsatisfactory for evaluation, and that early morning deep coughs are most productive.

It is recommended to submit 3 consecutive early morning deep cough specimens.

24 HR. sputum is NOT an acceptable specimen.

No solutions are to be added to the specimen.

If microbiology studies are to be performed on the same specimen, it must first be sent to the microbiology department. Note: a sterile container may be   recommended for microbiology studies. Contact the Microbiology laboratory for instructions.    

If the sputum specimen is delayed in delivery to the cytology division, it must be refrigerated.

Induced sputum are appropriate in patients who cannot produce sputum spontaneously. The basic principle involves the inhalation of some appropriate solution that has been aerosolized. The inspired vapor stimulates mucous production.

Sputum specimens are not the appropriate specimen for Pneumocystis evaluation.