Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect the specimen in a sterile, leak proof container. Do not use Cultureswab specimen collection device used for aerobic cultures. Label the specimen appropriately with patient name and two identifiers (patient ID number, DOB, etc.)  [including source, date and time of collection]. Transport the specimen in a sealed, leak proof container within 1 hour of collection. If specimens cannot be transported to the laboratory within one hour, please refrigerate and keep specimen cool while transporting to the laboratory.

• Sputum:  Collect a series of 3 specimens.  Samples should be collected at 8-24 hour intervals and should include at least one first morning sample. A volume of 5-10ml is required.  Pooled samples are NOT acceptable.  [CAP MIC.31100]
• Gastric Washings: Gastric washings are collected on patients unable to produce sputum. Three consecutive specimens of 5-10 mL, collected in a sterile container from a fasting patient in the early morning are superior to a single aspirate. Since gastric contents are toxic to acid-fast bacilli, specimens must be processed within 4 hours of collection. 
• Urine: A series of 3 single midstream specimens voided in the early morning are required. 24 hour pooled specimens are unacceptable. A minimum of 40 mL of urine is required. 
• Tissue: Collect tissue specimen asceptically and transport to the laboratory immediately. 
• Stool: Pass the stool into a clean, dry container or bedpan. Do not allow urine to  contaminate the specimen in the collection container. 
• Body Fluids: Collect asceptically. 
• Bronchial Washings, Aspirates or Brushings:  Collect in a sterile container. 
• Blood: Collect in SPS (yellow-top) tube. 
• Bone Marrow: Collect in SPS (yellow-top) tube. Prior to the bone marrow procedure, prep the top of the yellow-top vacuum tube with an alchol wipe. Using a sterile needle and syringe, remove approximately half of the liquid from the tube. Immediately after marrow aspiration, and before any other samples are aliquotted, dispense a portion of the aspirate into the tube with a sterile transfer device. Leave sufficient amount of aspirate in the syringe for smear preparation, referred testing and clot sections.