Collect Sputum Sample
How to Collect a Sputum Sample
Background:
It is important when collecting this type of sample to try and collect sputum (which is from your lungs), with as little saliva present as possible.
Procedure:
It is often easier to collect a sputum sample when you first get out of bed in the morning.
(1) Gargle and rinse your mouth out with tap water (don’t use toothpaste or mouth washes).
(2) Try to produce a deep cough from your lungs
(3) Collect the secretions produced into the yellow-topped jar provided, taking care not to contaminate the outside of the jar.
(4) Examine the specimen produced, if it looks salivary (watery) then obtain another yellow-topped jar from the laboratory and try again.
(5) After collecting the sample, replace the lid and write your full name and date of birth on the outside of the jar, as well as your doctors name.
Put the specimen jar into the plastic bag provided and take the specimen to the nearest Perth Medical Laboratories Collection Centre (see the reverse of your request form for locations) as soon as possible, preferably within 1-2 hours. If a delay is unavoidable then please contact the laboratory on 08.9433 5696 for advice. The sample should be refrigerated (NOT frozen) until it is received at the laboratory.
