Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Endotracheal Secretion

Container/Tube: Sterile container(s)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL (minimum volume: 0.5 mL) of endotracheal secretion

Collection Instructions:

1. If aspirated in a syringe, replace needle with a sterile, rubber cap prior to transporting specimen.
2. Label container/syringe with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Expectorated

Container/Tube: Sterile container(s)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of sputum-24-Hour collection is not acceptable.

Collection Instructions:

1. Instruct patient to cough deeply and expectorate sputum into container.
2. Label container with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: A “deep cough” specimen, not saliva, must be collected for an adequate evaluation.

Induced

Container/Tube: Sterile container(s)
Specimen Volume: 2 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of sputum-24-Hour collection is not acceptable.

Collection Instructions:

1. Fill ultrasonic nebulizer with 10 mL of 3% sterile sodium chloride solution.
2. Seat patient in front of nebulizer.
3. Turn on nebulizer and note strong flow of nebulizer saline from end of flex tubing.
4. Instruct patient to put end of flex tubing inside lips and inhale aerosol slowly and deeply.
5. Instruct patient to cough deeply and expectorate sputum into container.
6. If patient cannot expectorate sputum, 5 to 10 minutes of chest percussion may be administered to stimulate cough and sputum production.
7. Label container with patient’s legal name, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note:  A “deep cough” specimen, not saliva, must be collected for an adequate evaluation.