Specimen Requirements

Forms: Order in EPIC or, if from clinic, complete an Anatomic Pathology Request Form supplied by Pathology Laboratory. Include patient’s name, date of birth, date of collection, provider's name, hospital identification number (in- or out-patient) or address, specimen source, and pertinent clinical history.

Saliva is not acceptable for tumor cell identification.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Expectorated early-morning sputum specimen collected on at least 3 consecutive days

Container/Tube: Sterile container supplied by Pathology Laboratory

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Have patient remove dentures, if applicable. 

2. Instruct patient to brush his/her teeth and/or rinse mouth well with water to minimize contaminating specimen with food particles, mouthwash, or oral drugs which may inhibit growth of mycobacteria.

3. Instruct patient to take a deep breath, hold it momentarily, and cough deeply and vigorously into container.

4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, date and actual time of collection, specimen source, and name of provider.

Specimen Type: Aerosol-induced sputum specimen (mainly in a.m. prior to breakfast) Container/Tube: Sterile container supplied by Pathology Laboratory

Specimen Volume: Entire collection

Collection Instructions: Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, date of collection, specimen source, and name of ordering provider.