Sputum Culture
| Test Name | Sputum Culture |
| Alternate Name(s) | |
| Laboratory Module | Microbiology |
| Ordering Mnemonic | SPUTUM |
| Specimen Type |
|
| Collection Container | Sterile Container |
| Container Information |
 |
| Collection Information |
Collect an early morning specimen from a deep productive cough. Instruct the patient not to expectorate saliva or postnasal discharge. If the specimen has a large number of epithelial cells (found in saliva), it will not be cultured as this indicates excessive oropharyngeal contamination. The specimen will be rejected and a new specimen will be requested. |
| Test Schedule |
Daily |
| Routine Turnaround Time | Preliminary: 24 hours Final: 72 hours |
| Stat Turnaround Time | Preliminary: 24 hours Final: 72 hours |
| Critical Values | As growth is detected and identified the information is made available to the health care provider. |
| Lab Process Notes | |
| Storage and Transport |
Specimen should be transported to the laboratory ASAP after collection in biohazard bag. Specimen should be stored at 2-8ºC after receipt in the laboratory. Storage at room temperature can interfere with bacterial counts, rendering the specimen invalid. |
| Test Referred To | On site, BGH laboratory |
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The Brantford General
200 Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON
N3R 1G9
519-751-5544
The Willett, Paris
238 Grand River St. North
Paris, ON
N3L 2N7
519-442-2251
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