This is a special stain used to diagnose an infection of the lung called Pneumocystis carinii.  Sputum, bronchial, or whole lung washings can be used.

Sputum Specimen

  1. Your specimen should be collected before you begin taking medication.
  2. You will be asked to rinse your mouth or gargle before your sputum is collected.
  3. Cough deeply and expectorate your sputum into the collection container.
  4. A label with your name, date, and time of collection will be placed on the specimen container.
  5. The specimen and requisition will be transported to the laboratory in a sealed plastic bag.

Bronchial or Whole Lung Washings

  1. Your sample will be collected in a sterile container.
  2. A label with your name, date and time of collection will be placed on the specimen container.
  3. The specimen and requisition will be transported to the laboratory in a sealed plastic bag.