Performance of OMNIgene•SPUTUM (DNA Genotek) and cetylpyridinium chloride for sputum storage prior to mycobacterial culture.

The aim was to assess the performance of both cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and OMNIgene•SPUTUM (OMNI) reagents for the maintenance of viability in sputum prior to recovery by culture. Using 312 sputa, we evaluated the performance of the two reagents using culture on Löwenstein-Jensen medium after sputum storage in CPC or OMNI for up to 28 days. In addition, the viability of isolates stored in both reagents was assessed.