<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.Hi I was diagnosed with ptb, minimal for my xray done 5132011 for my companys annual physical examination. When I went to our company clinic, they pulled up my xray last 6122010 and showed the same results which I was not advised of last year. they ask me to go to the lab for a sputum. What should I do to prepare for this test?  <response>: Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. You should do following things for better sputum sample. 1. Chat Doctor. 2. Do warm water gargles at night before bed. 3. Dont eat anything in the morning. 4. Inhale deeply and then cough from the lungs. 5. Take the sample directly in the container. Dont give saliva. By all these, you will be able to give good quality sputum. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks. 