Sputum, Routine Culture

Overview
Department	Microbiology
Test Code
Synonyms
Test Availabilty	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time	2-3 days
Stability – Add test
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type	Sputum
Specimen Transportation	To lab within 1 hour of collection
Preferred
Acceptable
Unacceptable	Saliva Specimens containing food or medications
Paediatric Requirements
Aliquot Requirements
Sample Type	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.