1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Do most labs tell the species/subspecies and the number of colonies?

Posted by dls224 @dls224, Aug 27, 2023

I’m a newbie having recently been diagnosed with bronchiectasis; had a bronchoscopy and the first positive result came in; the AFB stain.

National Jewish (from my research) says that it’s of utmost importance with NTM to know the species/subspecies and the number of colonies grown in order to treat it correctly if necessary.

I’m wondering if anyone knows if labs aside from Natl Jewish give that info?

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kwi | @kwi | Aug 28, 2023
In reply to @dltorres "Hi, I’m getting things together for my trip to NJH. I was wondering what info you..." + (show)
@dltorres

Hi,
I’m getting things together for my trip to NJH. I was wondering what info you needed during your first visit with your doctor. My medical records have already been sent, but what did he/she need from you that may not be in your records?

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One thing they want that is not sent with your medical records is a copy of any CT scans you may have had. I had to obtain copies of my CT scans on disc and take with me to NJH. They will compare past CT to the one they will take there. Also, I had been prescribed a Hill-Rom vest before going there by my local pulmonologist. They wanted me to bring only the vest, not the machine or hoses. If you use this type of vest, they will check that you have the correct size and you will use their machine.

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dltorres | @dltorres | Aug 29, 2023
In reply to @kwi "One thing they want that is not sent with your medical records is a copy of..." + (show)
@kwi

One thing they want that is not sent with your medical records is a copy of any CT scans you may have had. I had to obtain copies of my CT scans on disc and take with me to NJH. They will compare past CT to the one they will take there. Also, I had been prescribed a Hill-Rom vest before going there by my local pulmonologist. They wanted me to bring only the vest, not the machine or hoses. If you use this type of vest, they will check that you have the correct size and you will use their machine.

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Thanks Kwi!

REPLY
dltorres | @dltorres | Aug 29, 2023
In reply to @dls224 "I’m in the process of getting an appt scheduled there. Have been trying to decide which..." + (show)
@dls224

I’m in the process of getting an appt scheduled there. Have been trying to decide which hospital is best.
Wishing you all the best with your trip to NJH.

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Same to you.

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pmmar1 | @pmmar1 | Aug 30, 2023

I asked my NJH doctor about the number of colonies I have and he said that most labs do not address the number of colonies, which my local lab did not provide in my case. One of the benefits of returning to a hospital that focuses on lung issues is the continuity they can provide and the more sophisticated in-depth testing they can do in regard to our own individual issues. If your condition is fairly stable and future CT scans and sputum samples are all that is needed, perhaps your area pulmonary doctor could prescribe these without your having to make long distance/out-of-state trips. We have hard decisions to make when in comes to follow up appointments if our goal is a more comfortable life.

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