Discussions

Sputum sample collection difficulty

January 24, 2026

In: Discussions

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I've been through all processing for the Airtivity clinical trial, and all good so far. Now the stumbling block for me is to produce a good sputum sample. Apparently I won't get on the trial if I cannot produce two good samples. I am not allowed to use hypertonic saline to induce one either. I'm not a good sputum producer, I even tried the Madison & Dale sputum collection method this morning. I'm drinking plenty as well. I can only get lots of little "good" bits, but I don't think collecting throughout the day into one pot is acceptable.

Any other suggestions please. What works for you?

Latest Activity: February 17, 2026

Replies

Ksmiles123

SuePink,

Are you allowed to use a mucolyptic agent such as mucinex, guafenesin?

Can u leave the specimen cup right by your bedside and do some deep breathing exercises , then cough up as soon as you get out of bed in the morning?

Latest Activity: January 24, 2026

Comments

Suepink1

That's what I tried this morning, cup next to the bed, water, autogenic drainage app, all ready, and got barely anything. Certainly not enough to test.
I'm more likely to bring something up mid day once I've been busy in the morning, but again, it's usually small amounts and not enough to test on their own.
Re the mucolytics, I might try something like that as that wouldn't taint the sample would it.
Thank you

Latest Activity: January 24, 2026

Ksmiles123

SuePink,

Little amounts throughout the day can add up to an adequate sample, as long as it is sticky mucus and not just saliva or spit…Keep the plastic container in the refrigerator when you are not actively using it

I would recommend that you ask the research coordinator if mucolyptics are okay to take since they did not want you to use normal saline.

You will achieve your goal!

Latest Activity: January 25, 2026

Comments

Suepink1

so are throughout the day samples okay to send off? I keep being told it has to be just one attempt, which for me in my "healthy" state is never enough. I get heaps of small sticky amounts throughout the day, so I'll try that but let them know that is what it is. They can then discard if necessary.
Thank you

Latest Activity: January 25, 2026

Ksmiles123

SuePink,

They would prefer a one time sputum but this is the 2nd best way of getting adequate sputum for some individuals. I have done this many times over the years; they will reject the specimen if not an adequate amount, or other reasons. I wish you the best in getting a good specimen.

Latest Activity: January 25, 2026

Comments

DianaT

Thanks for this question, Sue, and for your answers, Ksmiles123. I'm in the same situation as Sue: I can't tell you how many times my arduously collected sputum samples have been rejected as "insufficient". It's very frustrating. I have Sjögren's syndrome, which dries out the mucous membranes, so that may have something to do with it. I'll just keep trying and spitting ...

Latest Activity: February 17, 2026

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