I didn't mean it as a criticism. But I'm sensitive about sputum samples.

I have had nodules appear pretty much throughout my lungs along with mucus plugs, groundless opacities and on and on since 2010. The nodules are "followed" with frequent ct scans to see if they grow or disappear. Radiologists began reporting that the nodules may be bacteria or they may be aspirations because I have a small hiatal hernia and a widened esophagus (patulous). In 2018, the radiologist named the suspected bacteria as possible mycobacteria. I researched it and at my pulmonary appointment asked my pulmonogist if we should do a sputum sample to check it out. I had brought in samples when I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis in 2011 but none since then. She said that she was sure it was aspiration. When I pushed for the sample, she said, "I can read a ct scan. It's aspiration."

I couldn't understand her reluctance and thought she should have more respect for the radiologist. After all his career is spent reading ct scans.

Anyway I changed pulmonologists and at the first appointment with my new one she ordered sputum sampling which came back positive for MAC.