How long does it take for MAC to be diagnosed

I have received 2 neg sputum after 8 weeks each. I previously had a positive Mac culture but was not treated due to my age (86 y/o. )Does the neg mean I no longer have Mac? tia

Is 6 weeks to early for a result? I had a Bronchoscopy on 1-23-24 that’s when it was sent out to be tested, also 3 CT scans since September to January. My results came in and no MAC which is great, but I noticed it was tested for 6 weeks. I thought it was supposed to be anywhere from 4-8 wks.
Dr. thinks it’s allergic inflammatory due to allergies.
I have been on 2 different types of antibiotics and prednisone back in September and Levaquin in January for lung infection and it did not clear it up. I also have 2 nodules one in upper right lobe was 1.2 cm and is now .9 mm I believe. The other is right middle lobe 1.9 cm and has not changed. Also have tree buds. My allergy test came back and my highest is a 3 out of 6 of regular things people are allergic to. Dr. wants me to see a allergist and start taking prednisone again! I just can’t see how this is possible. Next Dr. appointment is 3-21. I feel very discouraged because I don’t know if test is accurate!

From what I understand yes. You need to ask your doctor though. Best of luck. I am praying for you. I also had my first test come back positive, and am going I. Tomorrow for my second test. This is frightening.

I understand. I am going through the same thing. I think anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. If you are truly not convinced, I would ask your doc to do another test, and wait for 8 weeks, but it sounds like you are OK. 🙏

My pulmonologist who performed the bronchoscopy at Vanderbilt University sent my pathology to national Jewish hospital in Denver Colorado. My infectious disease doctor in Florida was very happy that my pathology had gone there because she said no one knows more about Mack the national Jewish and she wouldn't trust the testing That had been done anywhere else (lab tests). The pseudomonas diagnosis was quick; but it takes at least two weeks for the bacteria to grow in the lab for mycobacteria. It seems to me that a month is a long time. I would find out what lab they sent your pathology to for testing

It can take up to 6 weeks for some mycobacteria to grow, then another week or 2 for the lab to perform sensitivity testing, to see which antibiotics will work best.
My initial diagnosis was pretty fast - at 4 weeks they knew I had MAC, but it took NJH 4 more weeks to come back with the medication recommendation. Some of my later specimens, where I had far fewer bacteria, took as long as 7 weeks to grow to the point where they could test.

I am not surprised.
I only sent one pathology.
It took 2 weeks to get MAC diagnosis & only one for pseudomonas. I did take antibiotic for successful pseudomonas treatment; but took No antibiotic treatment
For the MAC
2 years later
Stable
Slightly improved from CT scan.
I know it is complicated. I know about the colonies, nodular or cavity, etc.