← Return to Bronchiectasis and lung infection

Discussion

Bronchiectasis and lung infection

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 10 9:51am | Replies (56)
Comment receiving replies
@magwil01

So if I ask another doctor to do a sputum test, I don't have to tell him what to look for? I don't have to know all the possible things a sputum should test for? I just say "sputum" and that test will look for everything I need including MAC, NTM, pseudo, rsv, bacteria, hib?

Jump to this post

Replies to "So if I ask another doctor to do a sputum test, I don't have to tell..."
scoop | @scoop | Aug 21 5:05pm

Sputum cultures test for what you list except RSV which is a virus. The lab knows what to do. Any bacteria detected grows pretty quickly 2-3 days with NTM/MAC taking 8 weeks.

VIEW AND REPLY
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 21 7:51pm

Actually, there are 2 tests that need to be ordered, the sputum test and the followup culture. The first can be performed in most labs, but the second is performed in labs specially set up to incubate the culture in specific medium for 4 - 8 weeks, then to take the next step and see which antibiotics the mycobacteria is susceptible to.
Some PCP's may be familiar with this, especially those who have a wide-ranging practice - such as in rural areas where they see "everyone for everything". But, professionals who see a limited class of patients, and refer complex cases to specialists, may not be as familiar.

VIEW AND REPLY