Should Sputum Samples Be Refrigerated?

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.

How do you store a sputum sample?

Keep the samples in the refrigerator. Return each sample to the clinic within two days of collection. clean cup with a screw cap ▪ Collect one sample. Keep the sample in the refrigerator.

How long will sputum sample last?

It is concluded that sputum should not be stored at room temperature for longer than 3 days for culture but it can be stored for 4 weeks without any loss of smear-positivity.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.