Sputum, Routine Culture

Overview
Department	Microbiology
Test Code
Synonyms
Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time	2-3 days
Stability – Add test
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Sputum
Preferred
Acceptable
Unacceptable	Saliva Specimens containing food or medications
Specimen Transportation	To lab within 1 hour of collection
Paediatric Requirements
Aliquot Requirements
Sample	Sputum
Preferred Volume
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals
Test Method	Microscopy and culture
Advanced Notice
Patient Preparation
Comments
NOTE: Please state if patient has cystic fibrosis Specimens should be collected with the aid of physiotherapy is possible. Only one specimen per patient per day will be processed.