Sputum Collection
for Cytology

• 3 x 70ml Yellow-top Containers
  Available from any Clinical Labs collection centre or your doctor.

Sputum is a fluid from the lungs that often contains pus and could be of a thick consistency.

• Collect 3 deeply coughed sputum specimens on 3 separate days (not necessarily consecutive days, preferably early morning before eating and drinking) into the sterile, yellow top container.
• A deeply coughed sputum sample must be obtained. Saliva only is not acceptable. Saliva is a clear fluid from the mouth.
• Remove any dentures. Thoroughly rinse your mouth out with tap water. Do not use toothpaste or mouthwash.
• Cough deeply to produce a specimen of sputum into the container provided.
• Screw the lid firmly onto the container to avoid spillage.
• Write your surname, first given name, date of birth and the date/time of collection on the container label.
• Please deliver each completed sample to a Clinical Labs collection centre as soon as possible. If there is a delay in transport to your nearest collection centre, please refrigerate.
• The collection staff will check your details (surname, first given name, date of birth and date/time of collection on the container label) against the pathology request form to ensure the sample is matched to the doctor’s request. This is done to ensure the safety and security of the reporting of your results.

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