Collection Requirements

Fresh early morning sputum specimens collected on successive days are preferred. Not to exceed 10 mL. Important that sputum expectoration be “from deep down in the lungs” as opposed to the expectoration of saliva or nasalpharyngeal secretions.

Other types of specimens that may be submitted for mycobacteria isolation are: Tissue, body fluids, urine, gastric, and stool.

Must indicate source.