Sputum is thick mucus or phlegm from the lungs and lower respiratory tract. A sputum culture is a laboratory test that identifies germs (bacteria or fungi) causing respiratory infections. This test helps pinpoint microorganisms responsible for conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis. This guide offers instructions for collecting a sputum sample at home, as directed by a healthcare provider, to ensure it is suitable for analysis.
Getting Ready for Collection
Collecting a sputum sample is often most effective first thing in the morning. Sputum accumulates overnight, making morning collection easier before eating or drinking. To loosen lung secretions, drink plenty of water or other fluids the night before.
Just before collecting the sample, rinse your mouth with plain water. This removes food particles and bacteria, minimizing sample contamination. Avoid mouthwash, eating, drinking anything other than water, or brushing your teeth prior to collection, as these can interfere with test results.
Collecting Your Sputum Sample
Wash your hands with soap and water to maintain sterility. Carefully open the sterile collection container, ensuring you do not touch the inside of the lid or container to prevent contamination. Find a comfortable position, such as sitting upright, to facilitate a deep cough.
Take several slow, deep breaths, holding each breath for a few seconds before exhaling fully. This helps move secretions up from the lungs. On your next deep breath, perform a deep, forceful cough that originates from your chest, not just a throat clearing. Aim to bring up thick phlegm from your lungs.
Immediately after coughing, spit the sputum directly into the sterile container. Avoid spitting saliva or nasal secretions into the sample. Continue to take deep breaths and cough forcefully until you have collected approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons of sputum. The sample should be thick phlegm, not thin, watery saliva, as saliva does not contain respiratory secretions for accurate testing.
Tips for a Good Sample
Distinguishing sputum from saliva is important. Sputum is typically thick, discolored mucus from the lungs, while saliva is clear and watery. Only actual sputum should be collected, as saliva provides no diagnostic value. If you find it difficult to produce sputum, drink more fluids to hydrate your respiratory tract.
A warm shower can also help loosen secretions, making it easier to cough up a sample. Prevent sample contamination. Avoid touching the inside of the collection container or allowing the sample to contact your hands, nasal secretions, or food particles. A properly collected, uncontaminated sample is important for accurate laboratory results, allowing healthcare providers to identify the pathogen causing your infection.
After Collection: What to Do Next
Once you have collected the required amount of sputum, securely close the sterile container. Ensure the lid is tightened to prevent spillage or leakage during transport. Label the container clearly with your full name, the date, and the time of collection, as instructed by your healthcare provider.
If you cannot transport the sample to the laboratory or clinic immediately, follow any storage instructions provided. Often, samples can be refrigerated temporarily to preserve the microorganisms until transport. Deliver the sample to the designated laboratory or clinic as soon as possible, typically within a few hours, to ensure viability for accurate analysis.