How do you transport a sputum specimen?

How do you transport a sputum specimen?

Primary container holding the sputum sample: tube tightly closed and placed into a latex glove; 2. Secondary container intended to protect the primary container: leak-proof box with enough absorbent material to absorb the entire sample, should the primary container break; 3.

Should sputum samples be refrigerated?

The Manual of Clinical Microbiology says sputum can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or kept at room temperature for up to two hours prior to processing for potential pathogens.

How do you preserve a sputum sample?

Keep the samples in the refrigerator. Return each sample to the clinic within two days of collection. clean cup with a screw cap ▪ Collect one sample. Keep the sample in the refrigerator.

What is the ideal location for sputum collection?

Sputum samples should be collected in an open ventilated space. The staff supervising the collection should not stand in front of the patient, because of the risk of aerosol infection.

How are specimens transported?

Specimens should be in tightly sealed, leak proof containers and transported in sealable, leak-proof plastic bags. Specimens for TB should be double bagged. Specimens should not be externally contaminated. Specimens grossly contaminated or compromised may be rejected.

How do you transport a blood sample?

1. Empty transport box.
2. Place a layer of perforated sponge at bottom.
3. Place specimens sealed in ‘Zip lock bag’ over the perforated sponge.
4. Cover specimens with second layer of perforated sponge.
5. Place un-perforated sponge and close the lid.
6. Seal the cardboard box and transport to laboratory immediately.

How long can you store a sputum sample?

It is concluded that sputum should not be stored at room temperature for longer than 3 days for culture but it can be stored for 4 weeks without any loss of smear-positivity.

How fresh does a sputum sample need to be?

The sample can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours if needed. Don’t freeze it or store it at room temperature. If you can’t cough up sputum, try breathing the steam from boiling water or take a hot, steamy shower. The sputum must come from deep inside your lungs for the test to be accurate.

How long will sputum sample last?

Can I drink water before sputum test?

Best time of day to collect sputum is when you first wake. Do not eat, drink or smoke before coughing up sputum from the lungs. Rinse (do not swallow) the mouth with water before sputum is collected to minimize residual food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs that might contaminate the specimen.

What is the best time to collect a sputum sample?

Can a specimen be transported in a fixative?

All specimens should be transported in the relevant fixative. All specimen pots should be tightly sealed and transported using specimen bags, where appropriate. The request card should be placed in the pocket of the specimen bag, and the pot inside the sealed bag to ensure the safety of all staff.

How long does it take to transport a sputum sample?

Samples are collected and shipped in 50 ml Falcon® conical tubes with screw caps. The tubes are labelled UN 3373, corresponding to Category B infectious substances. If transport times are less than 12 hours, even specimens without CPC can be transported at room temperature.

How big should a specimen of sputum be?

Sputum Quality. • Specimens are thick and contain mucoid or mucopurulent material. • Ideally, 3–5 ml in volume, although smaller quantities are acceptable if the quality is satisfactory. • Poor quality specimens are thin and watery. Saliva and nasal secretions are unacceptable.

When is the best time to collect sputum?

Indications for Sputum Collection Initial diagnosis of TB: Collect a series of three sputum specimens, 8-24 hours apart, at least one of which is an early morning specimen Optimally, sputum should be collected before the initiation of drug therapy

How is gastric aspiration used to collect sputum?

• To collect the mucus: draw 2 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride into the syringe to rinse, then empty contents into the sample container. Gastric aspiration is sometimes used in children when sputa cannot be spontaneously expectorated nor induced using hypertonic saline, and only in order to perform cultures or Xpert MTB/RIF.