Sputum Tests

The following instructions are for patients attending a Sputum Test.  There are three types of Sputum Test available.  Please follow the instructions for the test type recommended for you by your clinician.
 

CULTURE (1 early morning specimen only)

• Cough up sputum deep from the chest (not saliva from the mouth)
• Transfer sputum into the clean container provided
• Ensure name and date of birth is clearly written on the container
• Ensure date and time of collection is written on the form
• Take the specimen (and form) into the Collection Centre as soon after collection as possible

TB (AFB – Acid Fast Bacilli)
(3 morning specimens are collected on 3 consecutive days and each specimen must be delivered daily to the nearest Collection Centre as soon as possible, following collection).

• Collect as above. Ensure name and birth date are clearly written on the jar and either Specimen 1, 2 or 3.
• Ensure date and time of collection are written on the form.
• Take each specimen (and form) into the collection centre each day as soon after collection as possible.

CYTOLOGY
(3 morning sputum specimens are collected on 3 consecutive days and each specimen must be delivered daily to the nearest Collection Centre as soon as possible, following collection).

• Collect as for CULTURE.  Ensure name and birth date are clearly written on the jar, and number 1, 2 or 3.
• Ensure date and time of collection are written on the form.
• Take each specimen (and form) into the Collection Centre each day, as soon after collection as possible.

For further information, please call 0508 LABTESTS.