Purpose
To standardize processing and culture of sputum culture.
Scope
This procedure applies to trained microbiology laboratory personnel working within an approved quality-management and biosafety system.
Principle
Microscopic specimen quality assessment and appropriate culture processing help distinguish suitable lower-respiratory material from heavily contaminated upper-airway material.
Specimen / Test Material
A lower-respiratory specimen collected into a sterile approved container.
Equipment and Materials
- Appropriate validated culture media
- Inoculating equipment
- Incubation system
- Identification reagents or system
- AST materials where indicated
Procedure
- Verify specimen type and labelling.
- Assess specimen quality using the validated laboratory criteria.
- Process and inoculate appropriate media.
- Incubate under validated conditions.
- Assess significant growth.
- Identify clinically significant isolates and perform AST where indicated.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Monitor specimen rejection rates, media performance and contamination.
Reporting
Report clinically significant findings, relevant negative results and limitations according to laboratory policy.
Safety
Use risk-based biosafety practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and approved decontamination and waste-disposal procedures. Treat clinical specimens and cultures according to the laboratory's biological risk assessment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Toolkit for Standard Operating Procedures for Bacteriology, Mycology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.
- WHO: Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 4th edition.
- WHO guidance on collection, packaging and transport of infectious substances.
- EUCAST methodology and quality-control guidance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where applicable.
- Current locally approved laboratory procedures and validated manufacturer instructions.