Contamination of Sputum Induction Equipment During Patient Usage

Sputum induction equipment was evaluated for its capacity to become contaminated by patients harboring Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The mouthpiece, goose-neck, and 10% NaCl solution were found capable of being contaminated by tuberculous patients. Two per cent glutaraldehyde was shown to be an effective means of decontamination. This study indicates that the entire induction apparatus must be cleaned and decontaminated between patients.