Special Collection Instructions

BAL, Bronch wash, Bronch brush, Endotracheal aspirate, ET Tube, Lung Aspirate
1. Collect washing or aspirate in a sputum trap
2. Place brush in sterile container with 1mL of saline

CF BAL or CF Trach Aspirate or CF Sinus: Collect washing or aspirate in a sputum trap.

Sputum: Expectorated Collect under direct supervision of a nurse, doctor or therapist. Collect in a sterile container.
NOTE: for pediatric patient unable to produce a sputum, a therapist should collect a specimen via suction.

Sputum – Induced
1. Have patient rinse mouth with water after brushing gums & tongue.
2. With the aid of a nebulizer, have patient inhale about 25 mL of 3-10% sterile saline.
3. Collect in sterile container.
NOTE: for pediatric patients unable to produce a sputum, a therapist should collect a specimen via suction.

Nares, Nasal
1. Insert a swab, premoistened with sterile saline, about 1-2 cm into the nares.
2. Rotate the swab against the nasal mucosa.
NOTE: Anterior nose cultures are reserved for detecting Staphylococcus and Streptococcus carriers or for nasal lesions.

Nasopharyngeal -Swab
1. Gently insert a small swab (e.g. calcium alginate) into the posterior nasopharynx via the nose.
2. Rotate swab slowly for 5 seconds to absorb secretions.
3. Place in transport media

Sinus: Decontaminate nasal cavity and aspirate with needle and syringe.