Specimen Type:
1.0 mL bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or sputum collected in sterile container.
Eswab from throat, nasopharyngeal, nose, or sinus is acceptable.
Minimum Volume:
BAL and sputum minimum volume is 0.5 mL.
Cause for Rejection:
Quantity not sufficient, improper specimen type, improper storage/transport, improper swab, dry swab, swab not present, multiple swabs per vial, mislabeled, or unlabeled.
Storage:
Transport refrigerated required from off campus location. Upon arrival in laboratory, store refrigerated.
Special Instructions:
Cystic fibrosis patients must be designated as such on the requisition or audit trail accompanying the specimen. This clinical test includes a gram stain for nonCystic fibrosis patients. Throat cultures for Group A Strep only are not ordered under this test. SEE STREP CULTURE.