Sputum

For suspected malignancy when patient is unfit to undergo other investigations:

• three early morning specimens
• on consecutive days.

Specimen / container requirements

Sterile universal container

Please note:

• For suspected pneumocystis send a bronchoalveolar lavage sample.
  
• Salivary or nasal secretions are unsuitable for examination.
  
• Consider involving a physiotherapist and nebuliser induction of sputum.