Additional Specimen Collection Information

Nasal: Collection of specimen may be taken from each side of the nose by swabbing with a cotton applicator. Secretion is most easily collected by having the patient blow the nose on waxed paper or parafilm.

Sputum: Collect specimen via one of the following methods: 

Deep Breathing and Coughing:

1. Obtain in early morning.
2. Have patient rinse out mouth with water, if allowed.
3. Instruct the patient to take a deep breath and blow it out; take another deep breath, hold it, and cough deeply.
4. Expectorate mucous into a sterile container or luki tube.
5. Label appropriately [including source, date and time of collection]. 

Ultrasonic or Heated Hypertonic Saline Nebulization:

1. respiratory therapist will assist the patient with deep breathing treatment for 10 to 15 minutes to aid in loosening secretions.
2. Follow collection procedure for deep breathing and coughing.

Suctioning with Use of Sputum Trap: 

1. Prepare suction equipment.
2. Attach sputum trap between catheter and suction tubing.
3. Provide intermittent suction by placing thumb on and off sputum trap until adequate specimen is collected.
4. When specimen reaches the trap, keep thumb over opening until suction is turned off.
5. Disconnect suction tubing and close opening with small rubber tubing connected to luki tube.
6. Label appropriately [including source, date and time of collection].

Sinus: Collected by physician.

Urine: Random urine collection.