Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Sterile Container
Specimen Type: Sputum only
Emergency Minimum Volume: 2 mL
Collection Procedure: Collect Sputum in sterile cup.
Store and Transport Transport (room temp); Store 2-8° C.
Required Patient Info: Specimen source
Stability: Room Temp 3 days Refrigerated 7 days Frozen (-20 øC) Unacceptable Frozen (-70 øC) Unacceptable
Unacceptable Condition: Only Sputum specimens are acceptable for the PCR assay. BAL, Nasal washings, Bronch washings have not been validated for use with this assay. Sputum with obvious food particles.