The protocol as far as I know is a CT scan and then sputum collection or even vice versa. If a person can’t produce sputum a bronchoscopy is done and fluid collected is sent off for testing. MAC takes forever to come back from the lab. I am really surprised someone would remove part of someone’s lung that quickly and without consulting the patient’s pulmonologist and the patient - a team discussion . - not to mention the option of taking medication first! I’m still shaking my head. Irene5