Basingstoke and north hampshire hospital pathology user handbook

Sputum (for tuberculosis see below)

For routine microscopy, culture and sensitivity, collect sputum sample, the result of deep cough (preferably early morning) into a plastic screw-capped container available from Pathology reception for this purpose. Non-purulent, salivary specimens will not be examined, nor will specimens which are more than 12 hours old. NOTE – to exclude TB, three consecutive early morning sputa must be sent for testing

In patients with a severe pneumonia, consider sending urine for pneumococcal and legionella antigen testing.

Reports usually ready within 2 days