Final answer:
Consecutive sputum samples for medical analysis are not collected in the same containers but are pooled from different collections into one composite sample for analysis. This process prevents cross-contamination and maintains the integrity of the samples.
Step-by-step explanation:
When collecting sputum samples for analysis, it is important to follow specific protocols to ensure the accuracy of the results. For consecutive samples, they are not necessarily collected in the same containers. Each sample should be collected in a separate, sterile container to avoid cross-contamination. This ensures that each specimen represents a unique sample time point and maintains the integrity of the specimen for accurate analysis.
As demonstrated in some clinical settings, six animal samples may be used per compound with each collection up to 24 hours, across six time points. The six samples from the same collection time are then pooled; this means combining them to form one composite sample for analysis. For approaches like oral and intravenous administration, the number of samples might be decreased, and pooling, also known as cassette analysis, involves combining equal volumes of samples from two animals per compound.
Clinical focus on the microscopic examination of sputum samples, like the ones shown in Figure 14.15, can reveal the causative organism of an infection and help tailor antimicrobial therapy through antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).