Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection. Refrigeration is not recommended to maintain the viability of fastidious organisms.

Bronchial Washing/Lavage or Protected Bronchial Brush

1. Submit bronchial washing/lavage or brush in a screw-capped, sterile container obtained by a physician with the aid of a bronchoscope. Do not add alcohol or preservatives.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.

3. Maintain sterility and forward to laboratory promptly.

Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.