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I just got a positive sputum culture for Mycolicibacterium (Mycobacter

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: 9 hours ago | Replies (4)
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Thank you for your support. I think I figured this out. I collected a sputum culture and then wasn’t able to take it to the lab the next day that was an hour away. Not having another cup I washed it with hot tap soap and water
( Florida at least my area is known for having tons of junk in the water which is why I only use my reverse osmosis except it’s only cold water ) and then put it in the baby bottle sterilizer hoping I’d “ cleaned “ it. This is what this culture was collected in. I have messages out to my dr but I’m guessing this is it since I have no symptoms , my CT was even better and even pseudonomas ( I know it’s a different bacteria ) went from heavy growth to barely detectable. Praying I’m right.

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Replies to "Thank you for your support. I think I figured this out. I collected a sputum culture..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 10 hours ago

@sharonednaramsey @lvnl gave you great advice. In my bronchiectasis journey of over 8 years, I have been "positive" for a number of mycobacteria and other infections in one culture, then they never showed up again.
After reading your discussion of handling the specimen, you may have had a "contaminated" sample.

This is a good lesson for all of us - sputum for culturing should be spit directly into a newly unsealed specimen cup, promptly capped, and delivered to the lab according to your provider instructions. In my case, I have been told to refrigerate if it will be 4 hours or longer before delivery.

My pulmonologist keeps me supplied with cups, with standing orders for the lab to give me replacements every time I turn in samples.

Do you typically spit directly into a specimen cup?

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