Collection Instructions

Expectorated Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

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

Note: 1. 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.
2. Specimen source is required.

Induced or Suctioned Collection Instructions:

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

Note: 1. 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.
2. Indicate if specimen is induced sputum, as these watery specimens resemble saliva and risk rejection as inadequate.
3. Specimen source is required.