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HelpTest Code LAB900 Sputum Culture
Performing Lab
Arnot Ogden Medical Center
Ordering Recommendations
Detection and identification of bacterial agents of lower respiratory tract infections.
Collect
Expectorated Sputum
Induced Sputum
Tracheal Aspirate
Stability (from collection to initiation)
MUST be received in the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
Storage/Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Methodology
Conventional Culture
Start Date
9/13/2017
Last Review Date
6/24/2025
Specimen Handling
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions
Expectorated Sputum:
- Instruct the patient in the difference between spit and sputum.
- Explain that a deep cough first thing in the morning, if practical, is needed to produce a quality sputum specimen.
- Instruct the patient to rinse the mouth with water prior to collection. If the patient wears dentures, they should be removed prior to specimen collection.
- Collect the specimen directly into the sterile container.
- Minimum volume is 1mL.
Induced Sputum:
- Patients that are unable to produce sputum may be assisted by Respiratory Therapy in collection of a sputum sample.
Tracheal Aspirate:
- Specimen is collected through a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube.
- Material is aspirated from the trachea by the use of a syringe or intermittent suction device into a sterile container.
Remarks
- Gram stain is included in this culture order.
- Susceptibility testing will be performed on significant isolates.
- All expectorated sputum samples are subject to sputum acceptability. Expectorated samples are examined microscopically to determine if criteria are met for culturing. Any sample that is determined to be saliva not sputum will not be processed.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatiditis, Coccidioides immitis, Mycobacterium species, Legionella pneumophilia, and viruses will not be be detected by this test.