It seems that doctors can vary on the matter of frequency of sputum testing and even preferred length of treatment after negative.

I have been sputum negative since November, thanks to the addition of Arikayce, and my doctor wants me negative for 18 month before stopping treatment. She finds that patients who extend treatment past a year after being sputum negative remain sputum negative longer. Is it because the longer treatment ensures that the infection is more completely irradiated? I am hoping that I can continue to tolerate the combo of Azithromycin, ethambutol, and nebulized Arikayce for another 13 months!