Connect
Sputum Test submissions and outcome results
August 2022 diagnosed with BE via C Scan...no sputum test suggested or understood that I should have it tested.
Oct. 2023 self-referred and diagnosed with MAI while at NJH. Sputum tests at NJH indicated low load of MAI. I was told to do watchful waiting by NJH pulmonologist.
Began and doing Nebulizing and all Air Way Clearance methods since Oct. 2023.
I am still on and continue with watchful waiting.
Once, recently, in 2025 and now in 2026 Sputum Test results have come back twice indicating negative for bacteria growth and all other came back positive for MAI. I just received today...no bacteria growth.
I wonder if it is there in the lungs, the MAI, but in such a small amount or down deep in the lungs, hiding and will sometimes pop its 'head' up and other times so little that does not come up and therefore does not show in the testing ???? I have been sending the sputum for testing nearly every month to stay on top of what is or might be there or if to see there is anything new.
So without antibiotics due to original low load MAI I thankfully have felt fine all along and weight is stable.
Do many of you, others, have sputum test results come back positive, negative, positive, negative results?
Have any of you had this experience and has a doctor given their thoughts to you about why this can/does happen?
Barbara
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.
Connect
@blm1007blm1007 Thanks for sharing. I will take a look at it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@visions63 Good to hear about NYU.
No, I am not at Columbia, not sure what I might have said that had you thinking I was going there, sorry. I am in OKC and have pulmonologist in OK and TX.
Good decision, not allowing that switch. If I make an appointment with a doctor, which I always insist upon, that's what I want.
Barbara
@blm1007blm1007 I too am at NYU and couldn’t agree more. They are really on top of things with good communications and follow up. They have been very cooperative in allowing my more local pulmonologist to stay in the loop. That allows me to have some appointments locally and not have to always go into the city. I highly recommend them.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@blm1007blm1007 this sounds like something useful for our toolbox and could be used to supplement the vest, if used, or in lieu of the vest when it’s impractical to use. I’m trying to get a visual though. Do you hold it several inches ouch and tap to give a percussion on your back? Thank you.
@rmoore901 Glad you noticed the post about the KINTEGOOD Massage Hammer, Meridians Back Knock Massager, Double Head Back Scratcher Percussion Massager, Manual Massage Hammer I ordered on Amazon.
I bend my arms at my elbows and do the left side of my lungs/spine by using my right arm and then reverse it. Each person would have to just start off lightly with the amount of force to know what they can and cannot handle in terms of the pounding of it on the lung. That is all dependent upon the persons own tolerance for the pressure/pounding applied that they can tolerate and not injure themselves. I, for me, I use it after a bit of nebulizing and huff coughing and then use it before and after postural drainage and huff coughing. I call that a set. I do a good few sets each therapy session, meaning 2x a day...meaning I do a set and then begin this cycle over again several times with the huff coughing after each part of what I do. That's what I am doing for me, for now. Looking forward to another C Scan to see if it is doing the trick.
I had the vest and did not like it because it applied pressure and pounding in areas that I did not want it pounding. As I have said in another post they should be tailored made for each person and pound only in the area of the lungs. I also found it, for me, to be a big nuisance. We all tolerate things differently.
Barbara
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI’ve never done a sputum test, but I’m going to UNC’s center for Bronchiectasis for a work up. They sent me a kit for 3 sputum tests, and instructions. They want each test to have at least 1 TABLESPOON of sputum😳. Plus they want me to do this right after I wake up, and only gargle water beforehand. The most I can get up this way is maybe 1/4 TEASPOON. So I’m going to try some other ways to try and get at least something. Does nebbing saline first contaminate a sample? I also have more mucus after exercising, but I would need to eat first. How particular are you guys about all this stuff when you get your samples?
Thanks!
@sarahlynn1960 Apparently there are different beliefs about how much is needed for the sputum test. I was told that it doesn't require much as long as there is a good sample of mucus.
Yes it is preferred that it be first thing in the morning. True no food before creating a sputum sample in the morning...as told to me.
When I had the respiratory therapist help me during an office visit to bring up mucus we did the nebulizing first.
Did they say you couldn't nebulize first??
I would think you could exercise first and then do the sputum for testing but not eat and then do it. That wouldn't be good to eat first, that would contaminate it because food particles can come up when bringing up the sputum.
Barbara
@sarahlynn1960, I see Dr. Daniels at UNC. She has a standing order for sputum samples, which reads "Brinchiectasis patient, please process sample regardless of amount." I've submitted 2 samples so far, both acceptable for culture, and I'm sure that each was less than a TBS!
I nebulize 7% saline, then Aerobika 3x, and recently started using an Autogenic Drainage (AD) app on my phone before getting a sample. AD may help you if you haven't tried that. There are instructions on doing AD online, but I found them difficult to follow. The app may not be perfect but it's very easy to use. Good luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@blm1007blm1007
Thank you - much appreciated. Diagnosed Bronchiectesis and MAC 2 yrs ago. Nebilize once a day with Albuterol and acetylcysteine 20% and over the counter N-Acetyl-L-cysteine 600mg qd. Thanks again!
@katemm Have you had your sputum retested to see if the infection resolved? Any repeat CT scan to monitor disease progression?