SPUTUM SAMPLES

Posted by noisylungs31 @noisylungs31, Dec 1 5:38pm

Gave 4 sputum samples on consecutive days in October. Results came back 6weeks later: 2 show mycobacterium avium complex and 2 do not. Should I give new samples and get retested?

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kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Dec 2 10:22am

Has the physician commented on the sputum samples that indicated MAC?

denzie | @denzie | Dec 2 10:23am

This is something that would be best answered by a doctor. There could be false positive or false negatives and the doctors have training, experience, and instinct that will guide your treatment decisions.

noisylungs31 | @noisylungs31 | Dec 2 11:23am

Follow-up with pulmonary doc on the 17th.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 2 12:21pm

@noisylungs31
Please ask your pulmonologist.

If you have other symptoms of infection, or evidence of nodules or cavities on a CT scan, they may feel they have enough evidence without a repeat.

What led to the decision to do sputum cultures?

noisylungs31 | @noisylungs31 | Dec 2 1:39pm

Chest CT done in July of 2023
Notes: Mild scattered regions of air trapping are present in both lungs. This most likely is result of obstructive airways disease. There is a small region of lung atelectasis in the medial region
of anterior bilateral lung bases.

Treated for Bronchial Asthma since 2019...Rx for inhalers...super sensitive to steroids. Sputum samples from July 2023 showed infection with "Serratia marcescens" got RX for Levofloxacin 10 days. Switched to nebulized Aformoterol, Budesonide and Saline only used if wheezing detected.