OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

When must sputum be collected for testing?

1. As a first morning specimen

2. Protected from light

3. Received within 4 hours of production

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: As a first morning specimen

Sputum collection timing is crucial for accurate testing, and collecting it as a first morning specimen is considered best practice. This is because sputum that is produced first thing in the morning has had a longer time to accumulate overnight, allowing for a higher concentration of bacteria, cells, or other components that may be required for medical diagnosis. Additionally, it is less likely to be contaminated by food or inhaled particles that may interfere with test results. While it is also important to protect specimens from light in certain circumstances or to ensure that the sample is received within a specified time frame post-collection, the significance of collecting sputum first thing in the morning stands out as a fundamental guideline that enhances the test's reliability. Collecting sputum under these conditions maximizes the potential for detecting pathogens or abnormalities that are clinically relevant. Thus, focusing on the timing of sputum collection fundamentally impacts the quality and reliability of the test results.