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HelpTest Code SPUCUL Culture, Sputum
Methodology
Conventional CultureIncludes Gram stain, isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of pathogenic organisms. Deep cough specimens will be screened for acceptability for culture by Gram stain.
Performing Laboratory
St. Clair Hospital LaboratorySpecimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Aerosol-Induced
1. Collect 5 mL to 10 mL from an early-morning specimen on at least 3 consecutive days (1 per day) in a screw-capped, sterile container as follows:
A. Induce cough by inhalation of warm, aerosolized, sterile sodium chloride solution and collect aerosol-induced specimen.
2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Send specimen refrigerated if specimen storage is >1 hour.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Deep Cough
1. Collect 5 mL to 10 mL from an early-morning specimen on at least 3 consecutive days (1 per day) in a screw-capped, sterile container as follows:
A. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water.
B. Have patient remove dentures.
C. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, and cough deeply and vigorously into container and collect deep-cough specimen.
2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Send specimen refrigerated if specimen storage is >1 hour.
Note: 1. Nasal secretion, saliva, or 24-hour collection is not acceptable.
2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Suctional
1. Aseptically collect 5 mL to 10 mL of fluid in a screw-capped, sterile container.
2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature. Send specimen refrigerated if specimen storage is >1 hour.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.