Specimen Collection & Laboratory Testing
Sputum Collection

Sputum Collection

Precautions

Droplet / Contact Precautions

Sputum collection can be performed using droplet and contact precautions and does not require an N95 respirator.

DO NOT attempt to collect a sputum sample unless the patient presents with productive cough.

DO NOT induce sputum for COVID-19 testing.

What Does a Sterile Specimen Container Look Like?

Sputum Container

Specimen Collection

At least 5mL (1 teaspoon) of specimen is required

Step 1 Instruct the patient to gargle and rinse mouth with water.

Step 2 Have the patient face away from others, inhale deeply several times, and exhale with an explosive cough. This should produce mucus from the lungs.

Saliva (spit) has a clear color. This is not a suitable specimen and will not be processed by the laboratory.

Step 3 The patient should cough specimen into sterile container, replace lid and tighten securely so sample will not leak.

Be sure to label all specimens with the patient's name and HSN (or date of birth)

Complete Requisition

Next Steps

  1. Place labelled specimen inside a biohazard bag (or any plastic zippered bag)
  2. Place completed requisition into rear pouch of biohazard bag (our outside plastic bag)
  3. Deliver to nearest laboratory as soon as possible. Keep specimens cool (refrigerate) until they are transported.

Remember, patients suspected of COVID-19 should undergo self-isolation at home until the receipt of negative test results, or placed on droplet and contact precautions if they are admitted to hospital

Test results will be available through E-health viewer or Sunrise Clinical Manager depending upon where testing was performed.

Contact

If you have questions relating to testing, please contact your Microbiologist on-call