Optimal Collection of Specimens of the Lower Respiratory Tract

The intervention is based on the patient's own attempt to deliver a sputum sample after instructions of proper huff forced exhalation and coughing technique. After an attempt to deliver a sputum sample the patient will receive a 0,9% isotonic saline by an inhalation mask to induce the sputum, thereafter the patient will again make an effort to expectorate a sputum sample repeating the forced expiratory technique.

Tracheal suction is often used on intubated patients at the intensive care unit to collect sputum, and this method has become the standard procedure at several emergency departments.