Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Body Fluid
Container/Tube: Plastic fluid vial(s)

Specimen Volume: 8 mL of body fluid

Collection Instructions: Disinfect site with alcohol if collecting by needle and syringe. Aseptically collect specimen.

Note: 1. Label vial with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.

2. Specimen source is required.

Sputum
Expectorated
Container/Tube: Sputum collection cup(s)-Nasal secretion, saliva, or 24-hour collection is not acceptable.

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 5 mL of early-morning expectorated sputum

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen on at least 3 consecutive days (1 per day) as follows:
1. Have patient remove dentures.

2. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs which may inhibit growth of mycobacteria.
3. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, cough deeply and vigorously into cup, and collect expectorated material.
Note: 1. Label cup with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.

2. Specimen source is required.

Induced
Container/Tube: Sputum collection cup(s)

Specimen Volume: A minimum of 5 mL of early-morning induced sputum

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen on at least 3 consecutive days (1 per day). Induce cough by inhalation of sterile, hypertonic saline; and collect expectorated material.
Note: 1. Avoid sputum contamination with nebulizer reservoir water.

2. Indicate if specimen is induced sputum, as these watery specimens resemble saliva and risk rejection as inadequate.
3. Label cup with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.

4. Specimen source is required.

Urine
Container/Tube: Sterile container(s)

Specimen Volume: Entire first-morning urine specimen

Collection Instructions: Submit specimen passed on 3 consecutive days (1 per day).

Note: 1. Label each container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.

2. Specimen source is required.