Specimen Requirements
10 mL sputum ONLY.
If the specimen is tissue or body fluid, order Acid Fast Smear and Culture (CULAFBSM).
Supplies for Submission
Sterile Container (1)
Specimen Collection
- Submit primary specimen in a sterile, sealed container.
Indicate source.
DO NOT submit swabs. - Refrigerate and transport on a cold pack within 24 hours of collection.
- For first morning sputum, collect specimens on 3 consecutive days for optimal recovery.
Storage Requirements
Critical Refrigerated.
Specimens are stable if refrigerated for 5 days.
Causes for Rejections
Specimens with the following conditions are not accepted:
- frozen
- room temperature
- submitted in EDTA, viral transport media, formalin, or other fixatives
- submitted in non-sterile container or tissue paper
- contaminated with tap water
- pooled
- swabs