Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 116 SPUTUM COLLECTION-AFB PURPOSE: Cough-inducing procedures which include suctioning, diagnostic sputum induction and aerosol treatments will not be performed on patients who may have infectious TB unless the procedures are specifically ordered by a physician and can be performed with appropriate precautions in a well ventilated area. Specimen collection by means of suctioning will be performed only upon specific physician order to obtain an acceptable sputum specimen for diagnostic analysis. A copy of the laboratory analysis shall be maintained on the medical record and results forwarded to the physician. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL : RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: • Sputum specimen container specifically for AFB specimens • Gloves GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS: 1. You will need to explain the difference between saliva and sputum. 2. If a special problem exists (i.e., pain, recent surgery), teach appropriate techniques to overcome these obstacles. 3. This sputum collection technique requires a fresh specimen. A container should not be left in the home if it cannot be transported immediately to the laboratory. PROCEDURE: 1. Explain procedure to patient. 2. Wash hands, don gloves and mask. 3. Instructs patient to: • use tissue to cover mouth and nose when coughing • take a deep breath, followed with a vigorous cough • expectorate immediately into the specimen cup (sputum should not remain in the patient's mouth) 4. Clean patient area afterward, disposing of trash and personal protective equipment. 5. Label container with patient name, date and time collected and place in plastic bag. 6. Transport specimen immediately to laboratory or office for lab pick up. 7. Wash hands. DOCUMENTATION: Documentation should include teaching related to the procedure, the date and time the specimen was obtained and patient tolerance to procedure. Document physician notification of results and whether or not additional orders are received.