Which of the following would interfere with the collection of a good sputum sample for Gram stain?
1) Contamination of the sample with oral secretions
2) Lack of productive cough
3) Prior antibiotic therapy
4) Rinsing with mouthwash prior to sputum collection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1) Contamination with oral secretions can dilute the sputum with bacteria from the mouth, not the lungs. 2) A lack of productive cough may result in insufficient sputum for analysis. 3) Prior antibiotic therapy can alter the bacterial flora present in the sputum, potentially leading to misleading results. 4) Rinsing with mouthwash is not mentioned as interfering with sputum collection for Gram stain; it might even reduce oral contamination, though not specified in standard guidelines.

Which of the Following Would Interfere with the Collection of a Good