Results are generally available within 2 business days.

Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Bronchoalevolar Lavage (BAL) is a more reliable test for pulmonary cytology. See Cytology, Washings (Opens in a new window).

Collection: Upon arising, patient should rinse mouth with water and expectorate a deep cough specimen into a sterile specimen container. Seal container tightly. Label with patients name and medical record number. Send each specimen to the Cytology Laboratory as soon as possible. The patient is instructed to deposit, in the container, only those secretions coughed up from the bronchial tree in contrast to saliva, which accumulates in the mouth or postnasal accumulation in the pharynx. The best time for collecting sputum is early in the morning just after awakening. Forceful vigorous coughing at this time is often very productive. It is important that the patient rid the mouth of saliva and other material by rinsing the mouth with water before attempting to bring up sputum. For patients with scanty sputum, it may take 15 to 30 minutes of intermittent coughing before an adequate sample can be obtained. For those who experience difficulty, sputum coughed up at any time of the day may be used, or the patient can be scheduled to have Respiratory Therapy collect an induced sputum specimen from them. The specimen is then delivered with the requisition to the Cytology Department.

Handling Instructions: Refrigerate specimen (do not freeze) if unable to be delivered during laboratory hours. Transport specimen as soon as possible the next workday.

Special Instructions: Include admitting diagnosis and pertinent clinical history (I.e., age, clinical diagnosis, and exposure to carcinogen) with test request. Be sure to label post-bronchoscopy sputum as such where applicable.

Request Form: Non-Gynecologic Cytology Requisition. (Opens in a new window)

Cytology, Induced Sputum Cytology, Sputum, Sputum, Unfixed