Sputum for AF culture is centrifuged, sediment is inoc. on LJ, inc. @35°C in 10% CO2. After 1wk overgrowth of GNR. Avoid
- incubate the tubes at room temperature to retard bacterial growth
- utilize a medium that inhibits bacterial growth
- decontaminate the specimen with sodium hydroxide
- add sodium hypochlorite to the sediment before inoculation