Specimen Type/Requirements

Acceptable specimens for CF respiratory cultures include sputum, deep pharyngeal swabs or throat swabs (from children), tracheal aspirate, bronch wash or bronchoalveolar lavage. Nasopharyngeal specimens are unacceptable.

Sputum- 

Expectorate: Have patient rinse or gargle with water and discard. Instruct patient to cough deeply to produce lower repiratory tract specimen. Collect in sterile container. 

Induced: Follow departmental procedures

Throat (Children Only) - Sample posterior pharynx, tonsils, and inflamed areas with Eswab. 

BAL, Bronch Wash, Tracheal Aspirate - Follow departmental procedures