Instructions for Collecting Sputum Specimens for Routine Culture
Used to test for lung infection or pneumonia

Your provider has ordered a test that requires a sputum specimen collection. It is very important that an adequate sputum specimen is collected for this procedure.

• Sputum is material from deep down in the chest which is obtained by deep coughing.
• Saliva is the watery fluid in the mouth and is not desirable for culture.
• Post-nasal drainage is the thick material which drains down from the nose and sinuses at the back of the throat, especially during the night. This material should be cleared from the throat and discarded before collecting the sputum specimen.

Collection Instructions
1. A special sterile container is needed for the specimen collection. It The container may be provided by the clinic. If not provided to you by the clinic, please get a container from the laboratory.

2. Collect sputum early in the morning immediately after waking up and before eating or drinking. Rinse mouth with water and remove dentures, if any.

3. Breathe in and out deeply 2 to 4 times.

4. Give a series of low, deep coughs to raise sputum from the lungs and deposit material into the sterile container. It is helpful to have about 2 teaspoons of sputum.

5. Replace the lid to prevent leakage. Label container with date and time of collection.

6. Return the specimen container with any slip(s) your provider gave you to the laboratory receptionist on the same day.

7. Be sure your container is labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the sample date and time before you leave the laboratory.