Specimen Requirements

1. Instruct patient to collect fresh, single early-morning specimen in a clean, sterile container by inhaling air to the full capacity of the lungs and exhaling the air with an expulsive cough. It is helpful for the patient to be seated with head forward and slightly lowered.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), specimen source, and date and time of collection.
3. Send specimen refrigerated. (Frozen specimen is not acceptable).

4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: 1. Specimen source is required.

2. Include patient’s history and/or clinical impressions on request form.