Sputum culture test

How to prepare​

​

• Collect the sample in the morning, before breakfast

​​

• If possible, do not take antibiotics in the days leading up to the test (consult your doctor)

​​

• Do not smoke in the hours leading up to the test

​​

• Avoid using mouthwashes or oral antiseptics

​​

• Gently brush your teeth without toothpaste a few hours beforehand

​

How to collect the sample

​

• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water only

​​

• Take a deep breath and cough vigorously to dislodge bronchial secretions

​​

• Cough the sputum directly into the sterile container

​​

• Collect at least 2–3 ml of thick, non-foamy sputum

​​

• Avoid contamination with saliva

​​

• Seal tightly and deliver within 2 hours

​

Useful information

The quality of the sample is crucial: it must come from the deep airways and not from the oral cavity. An inadequate sample may yield unreliable results. Saliva contaminates the sample and may distort the outcome.