What is tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a serious disease. TB is caused by bacteria that spread through the air when a person with contagious TB coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks.
TB usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body like glands, bones, joints, kidneys, the brain, and reproductive organs.
TB can be cured. In British Columbia, medicines to prevent TB, or to cure TB are provided without cost through Provincial TB Service Clinics and public health units.
For more information on TB, see HealthLinkBC File #51a Tuberculosis (TB).
What is sputum?
Sputum is mucous that you cough up from deep inside your lungs. It is usually thick, cloudy and sticky. Sputum is not saliva (spit). Saliva comes from your mouth and is thin, clear and watery. Do not collect saliva for this test.
Why should I do a sputum test for TB?
Testing your sputum for TB bacteria is the best way to find out if you have TB.
If you are taking medicine for TB, testing your sputum is the best way to tell if the medicine is working.
Why do I have to collect more than one sample?
It is very important that the results from your sputum test are accurate. Collecting multiple samples can improve the accuracy of your test results. Your health care provider will let you know if you can collect multiple samples on the same day or if you should collect the samples on separate days. Follow the instructions your health care provider gives you.
How do I collect sputum?
To collect sputum, follow these steps:
- Collect your sputum in the early morning unless your health care provider gives you different instructions.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth, or use mouthwash before collecting your sputum.
- Make sure your first name, last name, and date of birth are on the label of the sample bottles.
- Collect your sputum away from other people. If possible, go outside or open a window while you collect your sputum.
- Open a sample bottle. Do not touch inside the sample bottle or inside the cap.
- Take a deep breath. Hold the air for a few seconds. Breathe out slowly. Take another deep breath. Cough hard until sputum comes up in your mouth.
- Spit the sputum into the sample bottle. Do this until there is enough sputum to cover the bottom of the bottle.
- Screw the cap on the sample bottle tightly so it does not leak.
- Write the date and time you collected the sputum on the label of the sample bottle.
- Seal the sample bottle in the plastic bag it came with. Do not put more than one sample bottle in each plastic bag.
- Make sure the test requisition paper is put in the pouch on the outside of the plastic bag (not inside with the sample bottle).
- After you finish collecting your sputum, wash your hands. For more information on proper hand washing, see HealthLinkBC File #85 Hand Washing for Parents and Children.
What should I do with the sample bottles after I have collected my sputum?
Bring the sample bottles to the lab or your health care provider within 2 hours of collection. If you are unable to bring the samples to the lab or your health care provider within 2 hours, store the sample bottles in the fridge. Do not store the sample bottles at room temperature and do not let the sample bottles freeze.
If you are not sure where to return the sample bottles to, ask your health care provider.
What tests will be done on my sputum?
Two tests will be done on your sputum:
- Smear test
- Culture
For the smear test, laboratory staff will look at some of your sample under a microscope. If they see bacteria in your sample, the smear test result is positive.
For the culture, laboratory staff put some of your sample into a special container to grow. If bacteria grow, your culture result is positive.
If the result from your smear test or your culture is positive, your health care provider will talk with you about what this result means.
When will I get the results from my sputum tests?
Smear test results are usually ready within 1 week. Culture results can take between 2 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly the bacteria grow.
The laboratory will notify your health care provider of your test results as soon as they are ready. If your test results are positive, your health care provider will let you know.
Be sure that your health care provider knows how to reach you to give you your test results. Check with your health care provider to make sure they have your current phone number and address.
If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your health care provider.
