Supplies for Submission
Sputum: Sterile screw capped cup
Nasal and Nasopharyngeal: A plastic tube containing a swab with a flexible wire shaft and a small tip, and transport medium acceptable for the cultivation of aerobic bacteria. Example: Flexible tipped swab/tube system containing Amies transport media.
Specimen Collection
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here to view general guidelines for culture specimens.
Sputum expectorated
- Using a wet toothbrush, brush the buccal mucosa, tongue, and gums prior to the procedure.
- Rinse the patient's mouth thoroughly with water.
- If available, use an ultrasonic nebulizer containing approximately 20 to 30 mL of 3-10% normal saline to induce an expectorated sputum.
- Collect the sputum in a sterile screw capped cup.
Nasal specimens
- Insert a sterile swab into the nostril until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates i.e., ~ 1 inch into the nose.
- Rotate the swab against the nasal mucosa.
- Repeat the process for the other nostril.
Nasopharyngeal specimens
- Carefully insert a flexible-tipped swab through the nose into the posterior nasopharynx and rotate the swab.
- Keep the swab near the septum and the floor of the nose.
IMPORTANT: Indicate source of specimen.
Storage Requirements
Room Temperature.
Specimens are stable if stored at room temperature for 24 hours.