Laboratory Services
Sputum
Print this pageUpdated Test Information:
| Test Description |
Sputum
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Synonym(s) |
Sputum, lung cytology |
|
| Test ID |
NON-O |
|
| Specimen Type |
Sputum (deep cough) |
|
| Specimen Requirements |
Cytology fixative, specimen container. Collect specimen in a sterile container as fresh or with cytology fixative. If fresh, must transport within 2 hours. If in fixative, must transport within 24 hours. |
|
| Required Information |
Complete the Incyte Diagnostics requisition with the patient's demographics and relevant clinical history. Label specimen container with the patient's full first and last name, second unique identifier, and specimen source/site. |
|
| Stability |
Unfixed specimens are stable for 2 hours at room temperature. Specimens fixed in cytology fixative are stable for 24 hours. Unfixed specimens which are not transported within 2 hours must be refrigerated immediately, and can remain stable for 3 days unless specimen was collected using saline. |
|
| Unacceptable Specimen Conditions |
Unlabeled specimens, Specimens in incorrect fixative (such as formalin) can only be processed as a cell block. Saliva is not acceptable. |
|
| Department (code) |
Cytology |
|
| Estimated TAT |
1–3 business days from receipt |
|
| Testing Schedule |
Monday–Friday |
|
| Retention |
Specimen: 7 days |
|
| CPT Code(s) |
88112 |
|
| Collection File | View/Download File | |
| Additional Information |
Sputum specimens which are collected over the course of 3 days as individual specimens may be combined and submitted as one collection. However, all specimens must remain refrigerated or be in cytology fixative during the 3-day span. |
