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Sputum Test submissions and outcome results
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Feb 26 7:09pm | Replies (81)Comment receiving replies
I have a question for everyone about taking sputum samples to the lab. I recently had three lab orders from my doctor to submit sputum samples as we're checking for MAC since I'm in watchful waiting mode. I produced what I thought was a good sample on one day and I refrigerated it. The next day, I got what I thought was another good sample so I took them both to the lab a couple of hours later. I did the third sample two days later and also took that to the lab a couple hours later. The same day samples were not refrigerated.
I got an email notification that my lab results were in a few days later which I thought was weird since testing for MAC takes a long time. But when I looked, it said that the test could not be done because the sample was not refrigerated. As mentioned, one was and one wasn't on the first trip because I produced the second one a few hours before my trip to the lab. I've submitted a sample in the past to another lab that was a same day sample and there was no problem with running the test which came back ultimately showing my MAC had returned after treatment was stopped. I don't know how I can get these samples to the new lab my insurance uses any faster than I did. It's located about 20 minutes away from my home. So now I'm going to have to start all over again to get new lab orders from my doctor and submit 3 new samples. How does everyone else work the timing of submitting samples?
Replies to "I have a question for everyone about taking sputum samples to the lab. I recently had..."
@linda1334 . I can’t remember where I read this or heard it on a mac podcast… so I will stand corrected, but I remember hearing that mac is pretty tough and sputum samples can be out and about for a cross country trip to njh with out any problems.
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@linda1334 What you have described I am sorry to say we have heard happen to others also. I believe there are factors of who knows what and who believes what as one possibility. It can be so frustrating due to our time factors in life and how we look forward to knowing the results.
I am in OKC and I send mine to Texas via Fed Ex and then sputum for testing, at different times, goes to NJH, Denver via my doctor in OK. That means that I may have refrigerated them for a few hours before sending them to Tyler or taking it to the lab in OK that is 30 minutes away. They have accepted all samples so far. When I took the one to the lab in OK I had a foldable ice back that I wrapped it in to hopefully avoid someone saying what you were told and also did it because I thought it would be best. As we know, I can't keep that Tyler sample cold while in the hands of FeEx!!!
I try to make my sputum samples in the morning, refrigerate them until I leave the house to get them to either the lab in OK or Fed Ex. When I take them to FeEx I make sure I take it to the main location who will be sending it out on the plane within an hour or so from the time I deposited it. So that means it gets to Tyler, via FeEx in approximatley two days from the day I sent it. Have no idea the journey and timing of the OK sputum samples full journey being it goes to the OK lab and then onto NJH, Denver.
Sounds like you need a good discussion with a lab manager, if that is possible.
You are lucky it is just 20 minutes away, but minutes add up. Time is precious.
Does your doctor have the ability to send your samples to NJH? However again, I believe it depends upon the person receiving it and their understandings. Don't know???
Barbara