to collect a sputum specimen first provide privacy and identify the patient position him in a semi fallers position then assess the patient's respitory status and anxiety level plan to continue assessing these factors during the procedure to collect a specimen by coughing and expectoration put on clean gloves and give the specimen container to the patient caution him not to touch the inside of it then have the patient take three or four slow deep breaths tell him to Exhale slowly and completely to move pulmonary secretions into the larger Airways make sure you are positioned to the side of the patient to avoid inadvertent aerosolization of sputum when the patient coughs you may choose to wear a mask for added protection when he completes these deep breaths ask him to cough after the next full inhalation if the patient can cough productively have him expectorate the sputum into the specimen container do not let him clear his throat and spit saliva into it repeat the sequence of deep breathing and coughing until you obtain 2 to 10 milliliters of sputum not saliva to collect a specimen by suctioning prepare the suction machine device ensuring that it's functioning properly then connect the suction tube to the adapter on the sputum trap pour a small amount of sterile saline into a sterile container this sailing will be used to rinse the suction catheter or push the sputum in the catheter into the sputum trap when the specimen obtained is a small amount then put on sterile gloves keeping your dominant hand sterile for the procedure and your non-dominant hand clean connect the sterile suction catheter to the sputum trap remember to keep the Trap upright to avoid inadvertent suctioning of the specimen out of the Trap if appropriate preoxygenate the patient for 1 minute with 100% oxygen then lubricate the end of the suction catheter with sterile water without applying suction gently insert the lubricated catheter tip through the patient's naso ferins or endot tracheal tube or TR ostomy and Advance it into the trachea as the patient coughs apply suction for 5 to 10 seconds collecting 2 to 10 mL of sputum then release the suction remove the catheter if sputum remains inside the suction catheter suction a very small amount of sterile saline to flush the specimen from the catheter into the trap now detach the catheter from the sputum trap and turn off the suction with either collection method tightly close the specimen container for a sputum trap connect its rubber tubing to the plastic adapter and dispose of the catheter properly now note the sputum characteristics including color consistency odor volume viscosity and the presence of blood offer the patient tissues and dispose of them properly if any sputum is present on the outside of the container wash it off with disinfectant to finish preparing the specimen securely attach the properly completed identification label to the side of the container place the specimen container in a biohazard bag and seal it then remove your gloves and place the first bag with the specimen into a second biohazard bag with the completed laboratory requisition make sure the specimen is transported to the lab or refrigerated immediately as part of your follow-up care offer the patient oral hygiene and plan to review the sputum test results when they are ready