This training guide provides instructions for collecting sputum samples from patients, which are crucial for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB). It outlines the steps for proper collection, handling, and storage of samples, emphasizing the importance of quality to prevent misdiagnosis. Additionally, it details patient instructions, necessary equipment for staff, and the procedure for reporting results.

1. Guidelines for Collecting
Sputum Sample
Training

2. Overview
 The purpose of this training is to provide you with step by step
instructions on how to collect a sputum sample from a patient.
 Sputum samples are essential in identifying whether a patient has
TB or not.
 Note that sputum is different than saliva and it is important to
collect a good quality sputum sample in order to ensure that any
bacteria present are identified. If poor quality sputum is
examined this may cause incorrect diagnosis and treatment.
 It is mandatory to obtain the patients sputum sample while they
are at the centre. If the patient is not present themselves at the
centre/cannot produce sputum at the centre that is only when
the patient should be instructed to collect their sample at home
and bring it to the centre the following day.

3. 1. Create patient profile in LMS, book test
& print slip
 Refer to CHS-007 Training on the Training Portal for how to
create patient profile in LMS, book test & print slip

4. 2. Label the Sputum Containers with date &
patient PID and give container to patient

5. 3. Instruct the patient on how to collect
good quality sputum
 Explain carefully and
demonstrate how to breathe
deeply and cough. The patient
must produce sputum, not
saliva. Use the video demo if
needed.
 Patient needs to be informed
that they have to wash their
hands after dispensing sputum
in the container.

6. 4. Guide patient to the Sputum Collection Area or
outside in a well-ventilated space, away from
other people.
 If patient is unable to produce sputum either
nebulize the patient or make use of
mucolator sachets before.
 If the patient themselves are not present,
and their caretaker is there to receive their
sample container they should be instructed to
tell the patient to collect the sample within
the early hours of the morning to achieve
good quality sputum. Provide mucolator
sachet if needed, or advise nebulization.

7. How to Perform Nebulization
 Refer to CHS-001 Training on the Training Portal for how to
perform Nebulization

8. 5. While handling the sputum sample
containers, the staff must wear gloves and
N95 mask.
 Remember sputum samples must be handled with
care. The sample contains live bacteria that is
potentially infectious.
 The sputum samples collected must be stored in
the fridge (at centers where the facility is
available) and must be kept upright inside a box
within the fridge.
 In case of non availability of fridge, the sample
must be stored upright in a dry and cool place.

9. 6. Once the sample is collected, sputum
log sheet must be filled out
 The sputum collection rider comes at a fixed time daily.
 Provide all the samples collected from that day to the
rider and cross check samples from log sheet to ensure all
samples are present in the sample transportation box

10. 7. Instruct patient to come into the centre
after 24 hours to collect their report
 The following patients needs to be called to come in for
repeat testing :
 If Gene Xpert is not working and shows error, invalid,
no result
 If MTB detected RR indeterminate
 If the lab has rejected the sample

11. 8. Centre staff need to regularly check TB04 Report throughout
the day to note tests results and take the required next steps
To access TB04 forms:
1. Open Google Chrome from main Windows
2. Write website
http://fieldoperations.chshealthcare.org/MIS
in search column.
3. Select Level as Center/Territory/Medical
Representative, write down User name and
Password, and press “Log In”.

12. 8. Centre staff need to regularly check TB04 Report throughout
the day to note tests results and take the required next steps
3. Click Counsellor Reports
4. Select #1 GeneXpert Results
(TB04)
5. Enter all relevant information
From/To Date, Selection, Region,
Zone, Territory
6. Be sure to click Select All for
Results
7. Click Show Report

13. Training Complete – thank you!