Sputum Collection
for Micro & Culture

• 1 x 70ml Yellow-top Container.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.

• First morning specimen, prior to eating or drinking, is preferred.
• 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.
• Ensure specimen is sputum, not saliva. Saliva only is not acceptable. Saliva is a clear fluid from the mouth.
• 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. If multiple sputum samples are required, please specify the exact date and time of collection on each individual container.
• Please deliver 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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