Bacterial Culture (Sputum)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SPT

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2038

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

24 hours

Associated Tests

• Nocardia Culture (Miscellaneous)
• Fungal Culture (Miscellaneous)
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR (Sputum)
• Bacterial Culture (Bronchial Washings)
• Bacterial Culture (Tracheal aspirate)

Synonyms

Sputa

Turnaround Time

3 days

Negative reports are issued at 48 hours.

Specimen Type

• Sputum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Specimens containing oral-pharyngeal material are unsuitable and will not be processed. Repeat specimens will be requested. Sputum specimens are unsuitable for anaerobic bacteriology.

Extra tests such as Nocardia, TB, Fungal, and Atypical Pneumonia need to be clearly indicated on the request form. Note clinical condition of Bronchiectasis on request form.

Additional Specimen Information

Specimen to be ideally left at room temperature for less than 2 hours before processing. If delay in processing store specimen at 4 degrees for less than 24 hours

Contact Information