Test Code SPC Culture, Sputum

Performing Laboratory

Chilton Hospital Laboratory-Microbiology

Culture

Includes a Gram stain.

Identification and susceptibility will be performed, if appropriate, at an additional charge.

Note: Gram stain is performed prior to culture setup to assure that a lower respiratory specimen was collected.

Physician offices—call Chilton Hospital at 973-831-5204 to obtain Sputum Collection Kit.

Nursing—call stores at extension 5686 or order number S013420 in the HIS system to obtain Sputum Collection Kit.

Specimen Type: Sputum

Container/Tube: Funnel collection vial (from kit) or tightly-sealing, screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: Entire specimen

Collection Instructions:

1. Aseptically collect a first-morning specimen.

2. Patient should not have eaten prior to collection.

3. Specimen should be a single, first-morning, “deep-cough” sputum specimen.

4. Have patient remove dentures, if appropriate.

5. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water.

6. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, and cough deeply and vigorously into vial or container.

7. Remove funnel from outer container and replace with cap.

8. Label capped vial/container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source of specimen.

Additional Information: Specimen source is required.

Specimen Rejection: Saliva

Ambient

Normal respiratory flora

Monday through Sunday

Turnaround Time:

Routine-2 days