Normal saline solution. Sterile specimen container. You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you if specimen is to be obtained by tracheal suctioning or bronchoscopy. See bronchoscopy, for details on this procedure. The operator passes a catheter through the nostril, the larynx and into the trachea.
Suction is applied for a few seconds, and sputum is collected into a sputum trap.
Catheter is removed. Sputum is sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the morning, don't brush your teeth or use mouthwash before collecting the specimen. Spit sputum into sterile container. Sputum is sent to the laboratory for analysis.