2007-10-11 17:08:40 · 3 answers · asked by ? 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Well, if you just spit in the collection cup, then we will reject the specimen. The lab has certain criteria for an acceptable sputum specimen, which we determine by doing a gram stain (slide stained to observe cells and bacteria). If there are >25 epithelial (skin) cells, <25 white blood cells, and little to no mucus we will request another specimen. If the specimen is acceptable and for tuberculosis, we will collect three specimens over a three day period. Also, the best sputum specimen is a first morning, and, if you are an inpatient in a hospital, one induced by a respiratory tech. Bottom line, if you need to give a sputum culture, cough from your toes and give us a good one!
2007-10-12 04:21:17 · answer #1 · answered by Mander 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One is the saliva..that is one major factor that could affect the colloection. You see, we collect sputum to have it examined for its content specially for diagnosis og MTb ( Mycobacterium tuberculosis) BUT if there is more saliva than sputum or no sputum at all, detection will be tough so we usually have the collection scheduled thrice a day or when the concentrated sputum is collected. Others could be throat or esophageal problem.
Hope this helps. God bless
2007-10-11 18:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by justurangel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess I don't know what you mean. If you are dehydrated or the sputum is dry you will have a more difficult time coughing it up.
2007-10-11 17:37:22 · answer #3 · answered by Fisher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋