LOWER RESP CULTURE/GRAM STAIN

A positive bacteria result, depending on the organism isolated, may reflex additional identification and/or susceptibility charges

RESPL

LOWER RESPIRATORY CULTURE GRAM STAIN 

See Transport Container for information

Submit only 1 of the following specimens: Bronchial/Tracheal Aspirate 1. Collect specimen in a 20-mL Luki sterile aspirating tube. 2. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Note: 1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing. 2. One specimen/24 hour period/site. Sputum 1. Collect specimen in a screw-capped, sterile container. 2. Specimen should be a single, first-morning, ""deep cough"" sputum specimen. Patient should not have eaten prior to collection. When antibiotics are to be started immediately, a first-morning specimen is still preferred. 3. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to remove any indigenous flora from mouth area. 4. Have patient remove dentures. 5. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, and cough deeply and vigorously into container. Close lid securely. 6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Note: 1. Cough induction by inhalation of a saline aerosol may be used if required. 2. Sputum specimens may be rejected if microscopic examination indicates that it is unsuitable for culture. 3. If patient's blood count shows neutropenia (<1,500/uL),note this fact on request form to avoid unwarranted rejection. 4. Specimen source is required on request for processing. 5. One specimen/24 hour period/site.

1 STERILE CONTAINER 

Normal Flora