Use only for respiratory specimens NOT collected with a bronchoscope. May be used for expectorated sputum, endotracheal apirates, nasal wash and suctioned respiratory secretion. Use separate order for
throat,
sinus and
bronchial cultures.
Pertussis,
Pneumocystis, Chlamydia,
Mycoplasma,
AFB,
Fungus or Virology may also be ordered separately. NOT FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS SPECIMENS, which require a special reference test.
Induced sputum: Induced sputum collection should only be performed under close medical supervision and using strict infection control procedures. Patients requiring induced sputum collection should be referred to a pulmonary clinic.