Sputum sample mailing

I am sorry it’s 4 degrees Celsius of course. I was lucky to have somebody answer my call at NJH lab And was told its their policy to write in notes when there is more than 24 hour time collection to receiving. And there is no need to send it on dry ice. So in other words the sample was good to be processed for respiratory culture and AFB. Such a relief

I have been sending in samples for years and the last 2 times they said they couldn’t process mine because it arrived too late. I’ve sent all these the exact same way so I’m not sure what’s going on. Their advice was to send it on a Monday or Tuesday and be sure it’s overnight. Just sent another so we’ll see.

I talked personally with my National Jewish Infectious Disease's MA/NP and she said that, although each sample has the warning attached to the result, they do not follow that protocol there and the samples are still viable, especially if NJH receives the sample within 24 hours.

I tried to schedule an appointment with NJH and was told it may be scheduled in December. In addition, I have to follow up for several times to get a reply.
I received a sputum test package last week. As I have made an appointment with Mayo Clinic in September, I decide to delay mailing my sputum test. In addition, NJH just sent me this without any notification, I feel their service is not as good as I expected. In addition, I have to wait for 6 months to see a doctor ?

Yes, follow-up is more than likely required not only with NJH, Mayo or even local medical facilities. This has been my experience. This is very much due to overwhelming patient needs, the number of patients having health problems, loss of doctors, nurses etc. in the last few years for various reasons. I am sure there are other reasons why we as patients must stay on top of it all for ourselves...as in human nature of those needing to do the job required of them. We see it in all types of businesses today, I believe, who is there to help and who is there just for the weeks paycheck only. As far as an appointment with National Jewish, yes it does take a few months to get in as it does with most other facilities. I had to wait a few months also before I could get in to NJH. It is the same with trying to get into see local doctors when you need them....they are backed up with the numbers of patients needing in. This has been my experience. If you have an appointment with a facility that sent you viles, they may want several samples before they see you to see what is or is not going on with your health. It is time consuming, however, follow-up is needed for your own peace of mind also. Hope you have the time to do that....it is time consuming especially if you are working. I'm retired...so a big difference in time available. Wishing you good days ahead.

Thanks blm1007. I totally agree with you. It takes me 3 to 4 months to schedule an appointment with any prestigious lung doctor. That is so true. So far in NYU, mayo clinic and Dr daniel in PA , the offices are all very prompt in response. So I feel. It is very important to find a facility gives you the quick feedback and listen to your needs especially for working people....

I am originally from N.J. It appears you are in the NY/Philadelphia/NJ area. I will be interested to know which facility you do choose. Yes, quick feedback and listening are what we want. Great that you did get prompt responses from the ones you mentioned. I did have to make a few calls to NJH to understand much before my actual visit in October of 2023. Once there at NJH all went really well. I will look forward to hearing how it all goes for you. Barbara

I chose Dr. Ashwin Basawaraj in NYU Langone as his location is very convenient and he is very good. He has an NTM team and surgeon is world class. Another doctor you may want to see is Dr. Daniel Dorgan in Penn Med. But it takes3-4 months to see them unfortunately. They are indeed very busy as you said.

I also heard that Dr. Timothy R. Aksamit, M.D. in Mayo Clinic is very good.