11/13/24, 7\:27 PM Guide | Sputum collection

Sputum collection

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Background

Sputum sample collection involves the collection of expectorated secretions from a patient’s lower respiratory tract for the
purpose of isolating microorganisms.

Gather equipment

In order to obtain a sputum sample you will need to gather the following equipment\:
Sputum specimen container
Biohazard bag for delivery of the specimen to the laboratory
Tissue paper for the patient to clear away any secretions
Sputum sample microbiology request form
Gloves and apron (if the patient is suspected of having tuberculosis or other serious infectious diseases, you will need to
wear full personal protective equipment including a mask, gown and goggles).

Introduction

Wash your hands and don PPE if appropriate.
Introduce yourself to the patient including your name and role.
Con
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Brie
p r o v i d e m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t w h i c h b u gs a r e c a u s i n g y o u r c u r r e n t c h e s t i n f e c t i o n . T h e p r o c e d u r e w i l l i n v o l v e a s k i n g y o u t o
c o u g h u p a s a m p l e o f s p u t u m i n t o a s a m p l e p o t .
"
Gain consent to proceed with the sputum sample collection.
Ask the patient if they have any pain before continuing with the clinical procedure.
Position the patient sitting comfortably on a chair or bed.

Collecting the sputum sample

1. Ask the patient to sit upright if they are able to.
2. Advise the patient to breathe in and out deeply several times and then perform a series of coughs to produce a sputum
sample into the specimen container.
3. Collect 1-2 teaspoons of sputum in the specimen container and then seal the lid.
4. Ensure the patient is comfortable after the procedure and check their vital signs are stable.
5. Label the specimen container at the patient's bedside with the relevant details.
6. Complete the microbiology request form, including the relevant clinical details (e.g. current symptoms, recent investigation
results and past medical history).
7. Place the sputum sample container and microbiology request form in a specimen bag and transport to the laboratory for
analysis (e.g. culture and sensitivity, viral PCR).
Introduce yourself, including name and role

To complete the procedure...

Explain to the patient that the procedure is now complete.
Thank the patient for their time.
O
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Dispose of PPE appropriately and wash your hands.
Document the details of the procedure in the patient's notes including the appearance of the sputum.

References

1. Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC. Clinical nursing skills. Published in 2011. Available from\: [LINK].
2. Blakeborough L, Watson JS. The importance of obtaining a sputum sample and how it can aid diagnosis and treatment. British
Journal of Nursing. Published in 2019. Available from\: [LINK].
3. New South Wales (NSW) health. Sputum induction guidelines - Tuberculosis. Published in 2018. Available from\: [LINK].
4. Shepherd E. Specimen collection 4\: procedure for obtaining a sputum specimen. Published in 2020. Available from\: [LINK].
5. Eccles S, Pincus C, Higgins B, Woodhead M. Diagnosis and management of community and hospital-acquired pneumonia in
adults\: summary of NICE guidance. Published in 2014. Available from\: [LINK].

Reviewer

Nicky Milner
Biomedical Scientist
Source\: geekymedics.com
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