Ateneo de Zamboanga University

College OF Nursing
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST
SPUTUM COLLECTION
(Sputum Acid Fast Bacillus)

NAME: ______________________________ DATE PERFORMED: _________________

YEAR & SECTION: ______________
Legend (Rating Criteria):
5 – Expert (student performs all tasks proficiently and independently).
4 – Competent (student performs efficiently in an effective and efficient manner).
3 – Progress Acceptable (performance is usually effective and but not always).
2 – Needs Improvement (progress in performance is too slow to judge satisfactorily; task performance
is not most of the time).
1 – Progress Unacceptable (no progress in performance has been demonstrated, and or performance
is consistently ineffective and inefficient).
Indications:
 To detect mycobacterial infection.
 To diagnose TB (mycobacterium TB)
 Monitor effectiveness of treatment.
 The best time, but not the only time, to collect a sputum specimen is upon awakening in
the morning. When more than one specimen is required they will be collected on
different days. Any specimen collected in one day will count as one specimen.
 Keep the specimen out of sunlight at all times because ultraviolet light kills the TB
bacteria and exposure to sunlight could alter the test result.
 After specimen collection the container should be shielded from sunlight during
transport into the laboratory/facility.
Materials:
 Container for sputum collection
 Gloves
 Mask
*Label the container for sputum collection with patient name and date of birth before obtaining specimens and before giving
container to patient.
Procedure 1 2 3 4 5
1. Wash your hands and observe proper infection control procedures (don gloves
and mask).
2. Introduce yourself. Identify correctly the client.
3. Explain the procedure to the patient. EXPLAIN how the sputum will be collected
and the importance of a properly collected specimen
 Sputum specimen collection should be done without the client rinsing the
mouth or brushing teeth.
4. The client should be instructed to sit or stand and open the specimen container.
5. Have the patient take a deep breath, hold for a few seconds, exhale, repeat two
or three times, then cough: sputum is material brought up from the lungs after a
productive cough. Ask client to place the container close to the mouth to collect
the sputum.
 One or two minutes of chest clapping are of benefit.
 The specimen should not contain saliva or nasal secretions.
6. Collect at least 3 ml and close the sputum collection container with the lid.
7. Send the specimen to the laboratory. Document the findings as to:
 Color
 Consistency
 Amount of sputum
 Date and time sent to the laboratory
TOTAL

___________________
Clinical Instructor
(sign over printed name)