@mariegrace
This is a bit confusing to me.
If you have MAC wouldn't it be tested to make sure the MAC isn't growing and what type of MAC you have??? Isn't MAC a bacteria???

Not sure I am understanding fully your explanation however it appears you might be sending in sputum cultures for testing that would test for MAC. Dr. P. McShane, who is high on the Pulmonologist Chain for knowledge and care of BE patients, had me send sputum cultures in monthly, even with my having a low load of MAC/MAI.
My preference is to send in often to know how I am or am not progressing...lessening or increasing in the amount of bacteria/MAC/MAI showing.
Thank you for reading and responding.
Barbara