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Sputum Culture- What does AFB Smear Positive mean?

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Feb 28, 2024 | Replies (20)
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@sweethighland

Can you can the culture done without doctor's orders? Like can I go to LabCorp and compare with the one I do in the clinic since you mentioned labs were inaccurate and have different results.

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Replies to "Can you can the culture done without doctor's orders? Like can I go to LabCorp and..."
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 15, 2023

Sorry I missed the first question. Doing this on my phone in a car. I don't know whether you can send a sample without the doctor's order. But most likely the one you do in clinic is sent out anyways. Only a very limited number of labs grow sputum cultures. And sampling error can and does happen with any lab. That
is why you submit 2 or 3 separate samples each time.
Blood cultures are not cheap and I'm sure insurance won't pay without a doctor's order.
I hope this helps ease your mind
Sue

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