Is storing a Sputum sample in the fridge going to affect the result?

[Ortho10]

My local health center recently did this, as I handed in the sample late in the day.

Just wondering, as the lung environment is warm.

[Hidden]

I’ve wondered that too, tho standard advice is to store in fridge. But if you’re anywhere near the path lab it’s best if you can get it dropped off so they start culturing it within a couple of hrs. More likely to get a result then.

[cofdrop-UK]

Agree with Hanne. I did bring this up in the past with ERS as there does not seem t be any guideline for us to follow re speed/storage waiting to go to the lab. I try and get my samples in quicky but have had a nurse tell me I could post it - no way. Anyway I was informed by the Prof that samples do start to deteriorate as soon as they leave the body. I do feel there needs to be more clarification from a microbiolgist on this subject.

Cx

[Catlover432]

When I worked in the path lab, we stored specimens in the frig. That’s a looong time ago. Research may have changed this thinking over the last 50 years

[MoyB]

I was told by my consultant to put my sputum sample in the fridge until I could get it to the surgery to send off. xx Moy

[Ortho10]

Thank's for all of your replies, seems like this might be the recommended practice.

[DeeSending]

Hello there

I keep my medical samples in the fridge in a zip up carry vacuum food bag in which I place a frozen ice pack. When I’m ready to deliver I just take the bag and go. I regularly have to do a poo run as well. For this trot the pack is essential as I have to post it overnight interstate. I live in Australia. Cheers

[Ortho10 in reply to DeeSending]

Thanks for the reply, hope you're coping Ok with the heat.

[Munich]

If we could only cough it up on demand instead of late at night or another inconvenient time when we can’t take it to them. I was also told that I can keep it in the fridge and add to it during the day, so that I will have a bigger sample!