Additional Information

Patient Preparation:

The patient should rinse his/her mouth with water before producing a specimen to reduce oral contaminants

Other Requirements:

One first morning deep cough, each day, for three days yields the best diagnostic results

A completed cytology requisition is required, including pertinent patient information. Include admitting diagnosis, past history of cancer, clinical impression and symptoms.

Rush specimens require a pathologist approval

Additional Information:

Requests for the identification of organisms should be indicated on the requisition

NOTE: Requests for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) are limited to induced sputums

Sputum Collection Procedures