Are you asking about people who are MAC/NTM positive? Being treated? Symptomatic?

The reason for my question is that my pulmonologist & ID doc had me doing sputum samples every 3 months while I was MAC positive & being treated. The last culture, done after I stopped antibiotics, was still positive but I was largely asymptomatic - no fever, green/yellow sputum, etc. (All my samples being tested for MAC were sent from Minnesota to NJH.)

At that point, sputum samples were stopped, it was explained that the assumption is I am still positive, and likely to remain so. I was told the only reason to test would be if I became ill again & was considering treatment, and it would be for sensitivities & strain. The doctor explained a CT is a better indication of what is going on inside my lungs. In 2 1/2 years, I have had 2 CT scans which showed no progression from the day I stopped antibiotics. I continue to neb & do airway clearance. 2 exacerbations were treated by increased nebs and short courses of steroids.

I will see my pulmonologist next week, and ask again if I need to submit samples. I am guessing we will instead do a repeat CT to look for any changes or progression.

It will be interesting to see what others report. How are your doctors handling testing? Are you presently taking antibiotics?
Sue