Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Bronchial Brushing

Container/Tube: Red-top tube or a sterile container

Specimen Volume: Bronchial brushing

Collection Instructions: Label tube/container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: Specimen source is required.

Bronchial Washing

Container/Tube: Luki tube, a red-top tube, or a sterile container

Specimen Volume: Bronchial washing

Collection Instructions: Label tube/container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: Specimen source is required.

Nasopharynx

Container/Tube: Culture transport container

Specimen Volume: Mini-Tip CULTURETTE

Collection Instructions:

Note: 1. We must receive 2 Mini-Tip CULTURETTES in order to perform both a culture and Gram stain. If only 1 Mini-Tip CULTURETTE is received, only culture will be done.

2. Remove cap with swab attached. Holding swab between thumb and forefinger of 1 hand and sheath in other hand, give soft wire a 10° to 20° bend. This slight curve fits nose better, making procedure more comfortable for patient.

3. Slide swab along floor of nose (hand down by patient’s chin to start swab) with very light pressure to nasopharyngeal wall.

4. Rotate swab and remove along floor of nose.

5. Place swab in sterile culture transport container.

6. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: Specimen source is required.

Sputum

Container/Tube: Sputum collection container-Saliva is not acceptable.

Specimen Volume: Sputum

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a first-morning, “deep-cough” sputum specimen (5-10 mL) in a sputum collection container.

2. Cough induction by inhalation of a saline aerosol is acceptable.

3. To remove some indigenous flora from mouth area, have patient rinse mouth with water just prior to obtaining specimen.

4. Have patient remove dentures.

5. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: 1. Specimen source is required.

2. Sputums will be evaluated based on number of squamous epithelial cells present. Floor and/or physician will be notified of any specimen found to be unacceptable.