Investigation of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections including pneumonia. Manual bacterial culture.
Container / Tube
Sputum pot. White top universal.
Collection Conditions
Sputum can be obtained from the lower respiratory tract by deep coughing, physiotherapy, saline induction or other clinically indicated methods such as bronchoscopy. Saliva and post-nasal secretions are not appropriate.
Availability
Mon – Sun, 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
7 days.
Additional Information
The quality of the result for sputum culture is dependent on the quality of the sample as contamination from upper respiratory tract can affect the result.
Sputum should be sent in collection pots that can be adequately sealed. Lids with suction tubes attached should not be used as samples will leak in transit and may be rejected.
Ideally samples should be sent before antimicrobial therapy. If this is not possible this must be stated on the request form.
ID
3615