Pathology Handbook

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Sputum Culture

Alternative Names:

Sputum

Laboratory:

Microbiology

Test Code:

RSC

Registration Instructions:

Cultures for Burkholderia cepacia or Nocardia spp must be specifically requested as specific cultures are set up with extended incubation times. CSP Note: These are ordered as separate procedures.

Specimen Types:

Sputum

Container Types:

Plain 70mL pot

Collection & Request Instructions:

Mycobacterium and Legionella investigations are not included in a general Sputum culture; they must be specifically requested.

Sputum should be expectorated into a specimen container. Saliva is unsuitable.

Transport Instructions:

Room Temperature

Assay Frequency:

Daily