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Sputum Positive latest bronchoscopy neg

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 13, 2025 | Replies (8)
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I had altogether 3 Bronchoscopies. First one found the MAC 2024, this year had another 2, 4/2025 & 10/2025. Both done by same Dr both negative cultures BUT All sputum samples (I TOOK THEM to different labs) all came back positive for MAC current sample is now a +4 whereas the ones prior were +1.

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Replies to "I had altogether 3 Bronchoscopies. First one found the MAC 2024, this year had another 2,..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 10, 2025

@kellykvent It is possible that the bronchoscopy is not reaching the exact place where your NTM is hiding, or that he is using a lab that is not familiar with the handling of NTM cultures.
When you say you took them to different labs, how many specimens did you hand them? My doc requires 3 samples, taken one day apart. All are then tested at the same time.
Are you symptomatic for MAC? What do your CT scans look like? If MAC is +4 the infectious areas should show up as nodules, cavities, or "ground glass opacities"

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