Sputum Induction Instruction for Patients

What is it and why is it so important?

Sputum is a substance made up of cells in your lungs that are mixed with other substances. Sputum is released from your lungs when you cough and it helps protect your respiratory tract from infection.

Samples of sputum, also called sputum specimens, maybe analyzed in the laboratory to see if there are any bad bacteria growing in them.

Finding these bad bacteria in the sputum can assist in treating certain infections, including pneumonia and tuberculosis.

When you are unable to produce an adequate specimen, additional treatments may be needed to help you more easily release these secretions. This procedure is one of them.

Where will the procedure be performed?

• Your sputum induction procedure needs to be done in a special negative pressure room, which is only available in our Emergency Department.
• For the procedure to work properly, it must be performed once per day for three days in a row.
• You will be required to go to our Emergency department for three consecutive days for the procedure.
• Your nurse will help you schedule your procedure accordingly.

What do I need to know on the day of the procedure?

• Refer to your nurse for further questions on the number of times you are required to go to the Emergency Department.
• Wear a mask when coming to the hospital to protect both yourself and others, since you might have an infection that could be communicated to others.
• Make sure to bring your Emirates ID and insurance card when arriving to the Emergency Department reception desk and inform them about your procedure.
• The whole procedure should take 20 minutes total.
• It is preferable to the test in the morning since the sputum collects during your sleep.
• If you have further questions or concerns, please ask your nurse or Respiratory Therapist in the Emergency Department