This document provides instructions for collecting a sputum sample to test for acid fast bacillus (AFB) and diagnose tuberculosis (TB). Sputum samples should be collected upon waking to detect mycobacterial infections like pulmonary TB. Precautions like shielding samples from sunlight must be taken to preserve the TB bacteria. Patients are instructed to take deep breaths and cough hard into a collection container, avoiding contamination. Proper collection and handling of samples enables timely diagnosis and treatment monitoring of TB infections.

1. COLLECTION SPUTUM AFB

2. SPUTUM AFB?
WHAT: SPUTUM ACID FAST BACILUS
INDICATION:
1.To detect mycobacterial infection.
2.To diagnose TB (mycobacterium TB)
3.Monitor effectiveness of treatment.

3. TYPE OF TB
1.TB of the abdomen
2. TB Meningitis
3.TB Pulmonary
4. TB of the Spine
5.TB of the Lymph Glands

4. SYMPTOM
• SYMPTOM LUNG INFECTION:
• 1.Chronic cough
• 2.Weight loss
• 3.Fever
• 4.Chills
• 5.Weakness

5. WHEN?
• The best time, but not the only time, to collect
a sputum specimen is upon awakening in the
morning. When more than one specimen is
required they will be collected on different
days. Any specimens collected in one day will
count as one specimen.

6. PRECAUTION
Precautions to keep the specimen out of
sunlight at all times will be taken because
ultraviolet light kills the TB bacteria and
exposure to sunlight could alter the test
result. After specimen collection the container
should be shielded from sunlight during
transport into the facility.

7. PREPARATION:
1.Bottle for sputum collection
2. Blue colour form
3.Gloves
*Label innermost tube with patient name and
date of birth before obtaining specimens and
before giving container to patient.

8. IMPLEMENTATION
1.Wash hand.
2.Greet client and explain procedure.
3.Provide privacy.
4.Identify client by checking ID band.
5.Give bottle for sputum collection.

9. HOW?
• .. The client will take several deep breaths in a
row and after the last deep breath the client
should cough as hard as possible into the
container. The specimen should not contain
saliva or nasal secretions.

10. PROCEDURE
Instruct patient to:
1.Specimen collection should be done without
the client rinsing the mouth or brushing teeth.
2.The client should be instructed to sit or stand
and open the specimen container
3.Inhale deeply 2-3 times, breathe out hard each
time.
4.Cough deeply from the chest.

11. CON’T…
• Place the open container close to the mouth to
collect the specimen.
• Avoid contaminating the inside of the container
and lid.
• If the patient is unable to raise early morning
sputum, suggest that he/she stand or sit in a
steamy environment for 15 minutes first by
running hot water in the shower. If that still fails,
obtain a physician’s order for sputum induction.

12. EVALUATION
• 1.Trace lab results ( AFB within 24hours)
-to implement appropriate follow up nursing
intervention.
• 2.Analyse the result.
-to report any abnormalities to the doctor.