Collecting an Expectorated Sputum Specimen

Collecting an Expectorated Sputum Specimen

Equipment
■ Sterile specimen container with lid.
■ Procedure gloves.
■ Glass of water.
■ Emesis basin.
■ Tissues.
■ Linen-saver pad.
■ Pillow (if abdominal or chest incision is present).
■ Patient identification label.
■ Completed laboratory requisition form.
■ Small plastic bag (or agency-designated container) with a biohazard label for delivering the specimen to the laboratory.

Assessment
■ Assess:
■ Comprehension of the procedure.
■ Ability to deep-breathe, cough, and expectorate.
■ Respiratory status (breath sounds; respiratory rate, depth, and pattern; skin and nailbed color; and tissue perfusion).
■ Be Smart! You may need to delay sputum collection if the patient is in respiratory distress.

Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Evaluate the patient’s respiratory status during and after the procedure.
■ Examine the color, consistency, and odor of the sputum specimen.
■ Evaluate the patient’s understanding of the procedure and test results.
■ Promptly report laboratory results to the primary care provider.

Key Points
■ Use high- or semi-Fowler’s position.
■ Drape a linen-saver pad over the patient’s chest.
■ Instruct the patient to rinse his mouth and gargle with water.
■ Caution the patient not to touch the inside of the sterile container or lid.
■ Instruct the patient to breathe deeply for 3 or 4 breaths, hold his breath, and then cough and expectorate into the container.
■ Repeat until an adequate sample is obtained (typically 5 to 10 mL).
■ Label the specimen container with patient’s name, test name, and collection date and time.
■ Place the specimen in a plastic bag with a biohazard label. Follow agency policy.
■ Send the specimen to the laboratory immediately.
■ If specimen transport is delayed, consult the lab; refrigeration may be required.

Documentation
■ Record the date and time the specimen was collected, the method of collection, and the type of specimen ordered.
■ Note the amount, color, consistency, and odor of the specimen.
■ Document the patient’s tolerance of the procedure.

Ask the patient to rinse her mouth and gargle