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Session 11 Collection of Sputum Samples

This document provides detailed instructions for health workers on how to instruct patients in the proper collection of sputum samples, both spot and morning samples. Key points include using appropriate leak-proof containers, ensuring proper labeling, and maintaining hygiene during the collection process. It emphasizes the importance of collecting samples in well-ventilated areas and following specific steps to avoid contamination.

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24 views

Session 11 Collection of Sputum Samples

This document provides detailed instructions for health workers on how to instruct patients in the proper collection of sputum samples, both spot and morning samples. Key points include using appropriate leak-proof containers, ensuring proper labeling, and maintaining hygiene during the collection process. It emphasizes the importance of collecting samples in well-ventilated areas and following specific steps to avoid contamination.

Uploaded by

saidsbakari2408
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Session 11:

Collection of Sputum Samples


Learning Objectives By the end of this session,
you are expected to be able to:
• Instruct a patient on proper procedure for spot
sputum collection
• Instruct the patient how to collect morning
sputum at home
Important Instructions when Collecting
Sputum Sample;
There are important instructions to consider
when collecting sputum samples from patients.
• Following these instructions will ensure good
infection prevention and record-keeping.
• Use an appropriate container.
• It should be leak-proof, wide-mouthed, and
have a screw-top lid.
• Before obtaining the specimen, label a clean
sputum container on the side and on the
lid/cover.
• Collect specimen in a well-ventilated area,
preferably outdoors in the sunlight.
• Ensure that no one is standing in front of the
patient while they are producing sputum
(coughing). o Ensure that the container is
labelled and the lid is closed firmly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after
collecting the specimen.
Demonstration - Instructing Patients to
Collect Spot Sputum
Equipments and materials;
Required materials to prepare for the collection
of sputum samples include:
• Sputum collecting containers (leak-proof,
wide-mouthed, plastic container with screw-
top lid)
• Register books
• Gloves Spot Sputum Collection Instructions
Provide patients with the following
instructions for collecting spot sputum
specimens:
• Cough sputum in open air (preferably
outdoors)
• Inhale deeply two to three times, and breathe
out hard each time
• Cover mouth when coughing.
• Cough deeply from the lungs and expectorate
sputum
• Close the sputum container after specimen
collection.
• Place the open container close to the mouth and
spit the sputum into the container
Note;
 If possible, observe patient during specimen
collection.
 Stand behind the patient when they are coughing.
 Thank the patient
 Give clear instructions of the next step
 If in the facility you do not have laboratory tests
and you need to send to another facility, observe
that:
• The specimen is sent to the health facility within
24 hours after collection.
When spot sputum specimen is brought for test,
health workers should;
• Wear gloves before receiving the specimen from
the patient
• Examine the sputum carefully to determine
whether it is a good sputum sample and not saliva
• Close the sputum container.
• Thank the patient.
Demonstration - Instructing Patients to
Collect Morning Sputum at Home;
Morning Sputum Collection Instructions:
Provide patients with the following instructions
for collecting morning sputum specimens at
home;
• Drink plenty of fluid/water the night before
collection
• Sit upright to collect sputum of the first cough
in the morning
• Rinse mouth with water but do not brush teeth
before collecting sputum
• Unscrew the lid and hold the container very
close to the mouth
• Take a few deep breaths and on the third
breath cough deeply from within the chest
• Do not contaminate the rim of the container
with sputum
• Do not expectorate any saliva or postnasal
discharge
•
Close lid tightly and return sample to the laboratory
within 24 hours after collection.
Health workers should also;
• Tell the patient the turn-around time for receiving
their test results
• Thank the patient and allow them to go
• Take off gloves, and wash hands properly
• Put on gloves when the patient returns with their
sputum sample
• Examine the sputum carefully to determine whether
it is a good sputum sample and not saliva. If it is
saliva, instruct the patient to repeat the procedure
the following morning.
• Close the sputum container and pack it in a
container for sending to the laboratory.
(Note that if being transported by courier, there
are likely specific containers designed in which
the specimen is to be placed for transport.)
Key Points
• When collecting sputum samples, use an
appropriate container, which is leak-proof with a
wide mouth and a screw cap.
• Before obtaining the specimen, label a clean sputum
container on the side and on the lid/cover (label the
serial number from the register).
• Collect specimen in well-ventilated area, preferably
outdoors in the sunlight.
• Ensure that no one is standing in front of the patient
while they are producing sputum.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after
collecting the specimen.
Evaluation
Evaluation:
• What are the important instructions to the
patient for collecting morning sputum at
home?
• What the precautions to be taken by the
health worker when assisting the patient to
collect on the spot sputum sample?
References
• Carter, J. & Lema, O. (1994). Practical Laboratory Manual for
Health Centres in Eastern Africa. Nairobi, Kenya: AMREF.
• CDC (2009). DPDx, Laboratory Identification of Parasites of
Public Health Concern. Atlanta, Georgia: Centers for Disease
Control. Retrieved (date unknown) at:
http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Image_Library.htm/
• Cheesbrough M.C. (1987). Medical Laboratory Manual for
Tropical Countries, Vol I. (2nd ed). London: Butterworth,
Heinemann Ltd.
• Cheesbrough M.C. (2000). District Laboratory Practice in
Tropical Countries –Part 2. Tropical Health Technology.
Cambridge, UK:Cambirige University Press.
• Cheesbrough, M.C. (1998). District Laboratory Practice in
Tropical Countries – Part 1. Tropical Health Technology.
Cambridge: Tropical Health Technology.

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