Abstract: A pulmonary sample collection apparatus and method are provided for the sanitary collection of pulmonary sputum samples otherwise referred to as sputum induction, without allowing escape of infectious pathogenic microbes into the ambient air. The present invention is conveniently and safely usable in outpatient settings, such as doctors' offices and laboratories. The apparatus entirely encloses the patient in a chamber. The chamber is equipped with an air exchange blower which produces within the closed chamber controlled negative air pressure. The chamber is equipped with a replacable exhaust filter unit with which to trap airborne pathogens and other potentially harmful particles. The negative internal air pressure acts to facilitate sealing the chamber to prevent escape of substantially all airborne infectious particles from the chamber.