How Much Sputum Is Needed for a Specimen?
The Necessary Amount of Sputum for Most Tests Is 5 Ml (About 1 Teaspoon). However, Multiple Tests Are Often Ordered So More Specimen May Be Needed. Some...
The necessary amount of sputum for most tests is 5 ml (about 1 teaspoon). However, multiple tests are often ordered so more specimen may be needed. Some testing is best done on serial specimens, so you may be asked to collect for three days in a row.
How many tablespoons of sputum should you collect from a patient?
1-2 teaspoons of specimen is adequate. The container should not be more than ½ full. 6. Once collected, screw the lid on tightly.
How fresh does a sputum sample need to be?
The Manual of Clinical Microbiology says sputum can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or kept at room temperature for up to two hours prior to processing for potential pathogens.