CHAPTER XXXII 



COLLECTION OF MATERIAL FOR BACTERIOLOGIC 

 EXAMINATION 



OFTENTIMES the material sent to the laboratory for 

 bacteriologic examination has been so improperly col- 

 lected of handled that its examination is entirely use- 

 less. Much of the trouble can be avoided by a little 

 attention to details. 



In most cases bacteriologic specimens should be 

 collected in sterile containers. An exception may be 

 made in the case of sputum to be examined micro- 

 scopically for tubercle bacilli. When cultures are to 

 be made the specimens should be hurried to the labora- 

 tory without delay. All specimens should be accom- 

 panied by a memorandum showing the character and 

 source of the material, the name of the patient, date and 

 hour of collection, and a definite statement as to what 

 information is wanted from the bacteriologist. It is 

 important not to add disinfectants to specimens from 

 which cultures are desired. 



Sputum. Care should be taken that the specimen of 

 sputum has actually been coughed up. Some patients 

 will hawk up mucus coming from the nose, others will 

 spit out saliva, still others will be at a loss what to do. 

 Sputum should never be sent to the laboratory merely 

 in a gauze handkerchief or on a piece of paper, but 

 only in a small, wide-mouthed bottle securely corked, 



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