Final answer:
A properly collected sputum specimen should only contain mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract, not saliva. This helps in accurately diagnosing potential infections by examining the sputum under a microscope.
Step-by-step explanation:
False. A properly collected sputum specimen should contain mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract but not saliva. Sputum is a combination of mucus and other materials such as cellular debris that is expelled from the lower respiratory tract (bronchi and lungs) during coughing. The mucus in the lower respiratory tract is produced by the lungs and lined with cilia, hair-like projections that aid in the movement of mucus toward the throat where it can be expelled or swallowed. This mucus contains trapped pathogens, dust, and other particulates. Expectorating the phlegm helps to clear the respiratory system of these materials. An induced sputum sample or bronchoalveolar lavage is typically examined under a microscope to reveal potential infectious organisms, demonstrating the importance of a pure sputum sample for accurate diagnostic purposes.