The document outlines the procedures and techniques for collecting sputum samples, including proper handling, transport, and documentation protocols. It emphasizes the importance of quality control checks and describes various examination methods such as physical and microscopic analysis, as well as molecular testing for diseases. The document serves as a guideline for healthcare professionals involved in clinical laboratory technology in microbiology.

1. VIVEKANANDHA
ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN
VEERACHIPALAYAM, SANGAKIRI - 6366007 TAMILNADU.
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
SUBJECT : CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
TOPIC : SPUTUM SAMPLE COLLECTION TECHNIQUES
SUBJECT INCHARGE PRESENTED BY
Dr.V.BHARATHI,M.Sc.,M.Phil.,Ph.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
VIAAS, SANGAKIRI.
AISWARYA R
II B.Sc MICROBIOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY
VIAAS, SANGAKIRI

2. CONTENT
❖ INTRODUCTION
❖ PROCEDURE
❖ SPUTUM SAMPLECOLLECTION
❖ HANDLINGAND TRANSPORT
❖ PHYSICALEXAMINATION
❖ MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
❖ QUALITYCONTROLCHECKS
❖ MOLECULARTEST
❖ DOCUMENTATIONANDREPORTING
❖ REFERENCE

3. SPUTUM

4. INTRODUCTION
➢ The body produces mucus, also known as phlegm or sputum,to protect
sensitive tissues in the airways.
➢ Changes in the sputum color, thickness, or quantity of phlegm may
indicate a health problem, such as a respiratory infection,lung
disease,or cancer.

5. PROCEDURE
• The patients inhale and exhale through the
mouthpiece.
• An expectorate saliva into an emesis bowl and expectorate
sputum coughed up are collected into a sterile well-closed
container.
• The medical staff turns on the nebulizer device to allow the
patient to inhale the hypertonic mist for approximately five
minutes.

6. SPUTUMSAMPLE COLLECTION
❖ The cup is very clean. Don't open it until you are ready to
use it.
❖ As soon as you wake up in the morning (before you eat or
drink anything), brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with
water. Do not use mouthwash.
❖ If possible, go outside or open a window before collecting
the sputum sample. This helps protect other people from TB
germs when you cough.

7. ❖ Screw the cap on the cup tightly so it doesn't leak. Write on
the cup the date you collected the sputum.
❖ Put the cup into the box or bag the nurse gave you. Give
the cup to your clinic or nurse.
❖ You can store the cup in the refrigerator overnight if
necessary.
❖ Do not put it in the freezer or leave it at room
temperature.

8. HANDLINGANDTRANSPORT
• Replace lid after collection and close tightly to avoid
leakage.
• Bring container in the cooling box to the clinic as soon as
possible.
• Collect sputum in container provided. Avoid touching
inside or edge of specimen container or lid with finger.

9. Labeling
The sample should be labeled with the patient's name, hospital number, and
date of birth.Thelabel should also include the time and date of collection.
Documentation
The documentation should include the time and date of collection, the
amount and color of the sputum, and the procedure. Documentation is also required
for unsuccessful procedures.
Packaging
The sample should be placed in a specimen bag and transported to the
laboratory.Ifapplicable,alaboratory request formshould be attached to thebag.

10. PHYSICALEXAMINATION
Mucous sputum is clear or translucent and viscous,
containing only small numbers of microscopic
elements.Purulent sputumisoff- white,yelloworgreen,
and opaque.

11. MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION
❑ Microscopic examination of sputum is used in identifying Paragonimus
westermani eggs, Strongyloides stercoralis larvae, Ascaris lumbricoides
larvae, hookworm larvae, and rarely Entamoeba histolytica.
❑ Sputum should be obtained from the lower respiratory passages rather than
a sample consisting mainlyof saliva.

12. QUALITY CONTROL CHECKS
✓ Followstandard guidelines.
✓ Everystep of theprocess,fromcollection to reporting,should be done
✓ accordingto standardguidelines.
✓ Performqualitycontrol tests.
✓ Duringdiagnostic tests,alaboratorytechnician should perform standardpositive,
sensitivityand negativecontrols.
✓ Don't report resultswithout qualitycontrol.
✓ No diagnosticresults should be reported if qualitycontrol measurementsarenot
authorized.

13. MOLECULAR TEST
▪ Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
A test that looks for genetic material in a sputum sample.
It's often used to test for viral infections like influenza or
COVID-19.
▪ DNA mutation analysis
A rapid, low-cost, and sensitive technique for analyzing
sputum samples to diagnose lung cancer.
▪ DNA hypermethylation
A technique that involves adding a methyl group to
cytosines in DNA.

14. DOCUMENTATIONANDREPORTING
• Document all stepsof sputumcollection andprocessing in all
theLISor Laboratoryrecord.
• Report anydeviationsfrom expectedprocedures or results
promptlyto appropriatepersonnel.

15. REFERENCE
• https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sputum
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3189 24
• https://www.physio-pedia.com/Sputum

16. THANKYOU