Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
13:28
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Contamination of specimen container surfaces during sputum collection
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Contaminated sputum containers pose a risk, with Mycobacterium tuberculosis found on 6.5% of containers. This highlights the need for effective disinfection techniques for tuberculosis specimen handling to prevent potential transmission.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health concern, primarily spread through respiratory droplets.
- Sputum specimen containers are crucial for TB diagnosis but can become contaminated during transport.
- Contaminated containers may pose a risk of M. tuberculosis transmission if not properly handled.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of Mycobacterium tuberculosis contamination on sputum specimen containers.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a disinfection technique for TB specimen containers.
- To provide recommendations for safe handling of sputum containers.
Main Methods:
- Sputum specimens from culture-positive TB patients were cultured for M. tuberculosis on container surfaces.
- Bacterial flora on the outside of containers was assessed as an indicator of sputum contamination.
- A disinfection technique for specimen containers was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from 18 (6.5%) of 279 examined containers.
- Evidence of upper respiratory bacterial flora was found on 41 (14%) of 300 examined containers.
- A disinfection technique was evaluated for its efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Sputum specimen containers can harbor viable M. tuberculosis even after several days in transit.
- A significant percentage of containers show external contamination, indicating potential handling risks.
- Effective disinfection and handling protocols are essential to mitigate TB transmission risks from specimen containers.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:26Standard Precaution
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:02Sample Handling
Transportation of samples from the collection point to the laboratory, as well as storage and preservation techniques, are crucial for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring accurate and reliable test results.
Samples should be transported carefully from collection points to the laboratory. They should be properly sealed and clearly labeled to prevent cross-contamination. To preserve the sample integrity, optimal temperature conditions during transport are essential. This could involve using...
Samples should be transported carefully from collection points to the laboratory. They should be properly sealed and clearly labeled to prevent cross-contamination. To preserve the sample integrity, optimal temperature conditions during transport are essential. This could involve using...
01:26Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Sputum studies are a critical part of diagnosing and treating numerous respiratory conditions. These studies involve obtaining sputum samples for analysis to identify pathogenic organisms and assess the presence of abnormal cells indicative of malignant conditions. This lesson will delve into three fundamental sputum studies: Gram Stain, Cytology, and Acid-fast Smear and Culture.
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Description
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:23Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure
Tracheostomy suctioning is a vital nursing procedure that involves removing secretions from the tracheostomy tube to maintain airway patency and prevent respiratory complications. Nurses need to understand the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning to ensure patient safety and comfort. In this guide, we will outline the step-by-step process for performing tracheostomy suctioning, including preparing the sterile field, donning personal protective equipment (PPE), lubricating and connecting...