Gastric aspiration

• Performed by inserting a tube through the patient’s nose and introducing it into the stomach.


• Generally performed only when a sample cannot be obtained through expectoration or induction.


• Usually performed in the morning as the patient tends to swallow sputum during the night.


• Most often used for children although children who can produce sputum should go through sputum induction.


• It is recommended that children should not have had food intake for 2-3 hours.


• For logistic reasons gastric aspiration is usually carried out in a hospital setting or in a procedure room that has the necessary materials.