Specimen Requirements

1. Aseptically collect a first-morning, “deep-cough” (preferred) or aspirate (alternate) sputum specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container. (Specimen submitted in non-sterile container, specimen not received within 4 hours of collection, specimen contaminated with large amount of saliva, or specimen with a low WBC population is not acceptable.)

2. To remove indigenous flora from mouth area, have patient brush teeth and rinse mouth with mouthwash, saline, or sterile water just prior to obtaining specimen.

3. Have patient remove dentures.

4. Avoid contamination with oral or nasal secretions.

5. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen (“deep-cough” or aspirate sputum).

6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature.

Note:  1. Collect before start of antibiotic therapy whenever possible.

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.