Collecting Sputum Samples

In order to diagnosis TB, clinicians may order a sputum sample to be collected from the patient. Below is a sample protocol that can be used to ensure sputum samples are properly collected and followed up:

1. Inform the patient that a sputum sample is needed in order to assist with their diagnosis of TB infection and explain the procedure to them.
   
2. Encourage the client to provide two sputum samples on the spot. Patients are encouraged to provide samples the same day to prevent having to return to the health facility to return the samples the following day.
3. Escort the patient outside to a cough tent or other well-ventilated area for collection.
   
4. Provide two minutes of cough coaching using the Cough Coaching Tool.
5. Give the patient the sputum collection containers and assist them to provide the samples.
6. If the patient cannot provide two samples on the spot, encourage them to provide the remaining sample/s early the next morning. Ensure a locator form is completed and that patient details are entered in the TB Follow-Up Register.
   
7. When the samples are collected, fill out a lab form, attach a "TINGATHE TB" sticker and write the patient's Tingathe TB Number.
   
8. Take the samples and the form to the laboratory.
9. Ensure lab staff are aware that the sample has arrived and should be prioritized for same-day GeneXpert analysis. Arrange to return by a certain time to collect the results.
   
10. When the results are ready, ensure they are given to a clinician and are communicated to the patient. Every attempt should be made to get results back on the same day!
    

A cough booth or tent avoids the risk of transmission to others