Sputocol™ 50 mL Freestanding Sputum Collection System — PPC Tube, HDPE Funnel & Base, 72/Bag (221-3995-G80)
The Caplugs® Evergreen Sputocol™ is a complete, pre-assembled three-component sputum collection system supplied 72 units per bag. Each kit includes a 50 mL freestanding Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) centrifuge tube, a wide-mouth High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) funnel that guides patient expectoration directly into the tube without spillage, and an HDPE standing base that holds the assembly upright hands-free — enabling safe, unassisted patient self-collection in clinical, outpatient, and TB program settings. Individually packed and ready to deploy, part number 221-3995-G80 eliminates on-site assembly steps and supports chain-of-custody documentation requirements for regulated specimen collection protocols.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 221-3995-G80 |
| Sub-brand | Sputocol™ (Caplugs® Evergreen) |
| Tube Volume | 50 mL |
| Tube Bottom Type | Freestanding Centrifuge Tube |
| Tube Material | Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) |
| Funnel Material | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Base Material | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Components | 50 mL PPC tube + wide-mouth HDPE funnel + HDPE standing base |
| Assembly State | Pre-assembled, individually packed |
| Sterility | Non-Sterile |
| Pack Size | 72/Bag |
| BPA / Phthalates | BPA-free; no phthalate plasticizers |
| Country of Origin | USA (California) |
Applications
- Tuberculosis (TB) / AFB: Primary sputum collection for acid-fast bacilli smear and culture, including direct compatibility with the standard NALC-NaOH digestion-decontamination protocol
- Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP) diagnosis: Induced sputum collection for Pneumocystis detection in immunocompromised patients
- Respiratory virology: Sputum specimen collection for viral respiratory pathogen testing and molecular workflows
- Quantitative sputum culture: The freestanding tube geometry is compatible with standard centrifuge rotors for specimen concentration and pellet recovery
- Outpatient and self-collection programs: The hands-free standing base allows patients to expectorate unassisted, reducing staff exposure and improving specimen quality
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Component | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Aqueous buffers / saline | PPC tube, HDPE funnel & base | Excellent |
| N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC) / NaOH digestion reagents | PPC tube | Excellent — direct protocol compatibility |
| Dilute acids and bases | PPC tube, HDPE funnel & base | Excellent |
| Ethanol (70%) | HDPE funnel & base | Good — routine surface disinfection contact |
| Dilute sodium hypochlorite (bleach) | HDPE funnel & base | Good — routine surface disinfection contact |
| Acetone / chlorinated solvents | All components | Not recommended |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA (California), these Sputocol™ collection systems are produced under Caplugs® Evergreen's ISO 9001 quality management program using BPA-free, phthalate-free resins. The PPC tube body delivers the optical clarity needed for specimen volume verification and the chemical inertness demanded by sputum processing reagents used in regulated TB diagnostic programs. LabSupplies.com is an authorized Caplugs® Evergreen dealer shipping from USA inventory, with tiered pricing available for high-volume clinical laboratories, hospital systems, and public health programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these sputum collection systems sterile?
No — the Sputocol™ 221-3995-G80 is supplied non-sterile. Each unit is individually packed for point-of-care deployment and chain-of-custody documentation, but sterile processing is not included.
Does the system require any assembly before use?
No assembly is required by clinical staff. Each kit arrives pre-assembled — funnel seated on tube, standing base attached — and is ready for immediate patient use directly from the bag.
Is the PPC tube compatible with NALC-NaOH sputum digestion and decontamination protocols?
Yes. The Polypropylene Copolymer (PPC) tube is chemically inert to N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC) and sodium hydroxide, making these systems suitable for the standard NALC-NaOH digestion-decontamination workflow used in AFB and TB culture processing.
Will the freestanding tube work in a standard centrifuge?
Yes. The freestanding flat-bottom geometry is designed to be compatible with standard centrifuge rotor positions used for sputum concentration and pellet recovery steps.