Specimen Requirements

Submit Sputum.  Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.

   1. Submit ≥1 mL of sputum in a screw-capped, sterile container. (Improperly labeled specimen, specimen

       in non-sterile or leaky container, saliva, or specimen received >24 hours of collection is not

       acceptable.)

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

       collector’s initials.

   3. Refrigerate specimen after collection, and send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward

       promptly.

   Note:

   1. Specimen source is required.

   2. If multiple cultures are ordered on 1 specimen, label each test separately on specimen.

Submit Bronchial Washing - Specimen must arrive within 3 hours of collection.

   1. Submit bronchial washing in a screw-capped, sterile container. (Improperly labeled specimen,

       specimen in non-sterile or leaky container, or specimen received >3 hours of collection is not

       acceptable.)

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

       collector’s initials.

   3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

   Note:

   1. Specimen source is required.

   2. If multiple cultures are ordered on 1 specimen, label each test separately on specimen.

Submit Tracheal Aspirate - Specimen must arrive within 3 hours of collection.

   1. Submit tracheal aspirate in a screw-capped, sterile container. (Improperly labeled specimen, specimen

       in non-sterile or leaky container, or specimen received >3 hours of collection is not acceptable.)

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

       collector’s initials.

   3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

   Note:

   1. Specimen source is required.

   2. If multiple cultures are ordered on 1 specimen, label each test separately on specimen.