Bronchiectasis sputum sample

[Tinker26]

Had a question for my gp today .Asked nhs111 about providing a sputum sample as I have Bronchiectasis.....there answer was they put me through to public health England .....they then advised me to contact my gp!

My drs receptionist now advised that I would have to ring ,they would then send out an envelope or plastic sealed bag which would be the given to a nominated health centre to be sent off for culture .They said they did not want me to come into the practice just in case .Has anybody been told this?,Touchwood i don’t have any symptoms but just wanted clarification ?

[Spacecat1]

I suppose keeping you safe from viruses and themselves. Our daughter who teaches have been put on high alert just in case .

[Sparkywoo]

I’m in the same position. Rang GP’s asking for advice and respiratory nurse called me back. She told me to start 500mg Clarithromycin and the dreaded pred asap. No sample needed. They don’t want anyone with any respiratory issue near the surgery. To be fair I can’t take penicillin so thank God this med normally solves my problem. She also said they are advising vulnerable people to stay away from people as much as possible now!

[Alfiebax2]

I've had notification not to go to my Doctors surgery unless I have a booked appt. Many of the surgeries here in the South East are doing the same . I had a booked blood test yesterday and I was the only person in the surgery !!!!@

[NarlsJunior]

I also have Bronchiectasis and always have sputum, sometimes coloured, especially in the mornings. I guessed that it was just part and parcel of having the condition. I havent considered having a sputum sample checked - now I am wondering if I should.

[Tinker26 in reply to NarlsJunior]

Hi ,it’s only because I had the dreaded pseudomona and various other bugs in there ,so they’re just keeping an eye on it at the moment ,but no harm in sending one ,I only send one when I feel like I’m going downhill xx

[NarlsJunior in reply to Tinker26]

Thanks for your reply. Apologies it’s late. I’m pretty sure I’m fine on the sputum front 😂

Stay well Tinker26 👍

[watergazer]

Sounds like the doctors are trying to keep the germs at bay from the practice which is good for all. On the plus side you got the meds required without leaving the house. Hope you feel better soon x Anita

[Tinker26 in reply to watergazer]

Thanks Anita xx

[Penkman]

My understanding is that you only need to provide a sputum sample if you believe you have an infection which usually causes your normal sputum to change colour.

This would generally be accompanied with a raised temperature and feeling unwell. I am always provided with a standby 2 week supply of Amoxicillin to start taking if I believe I have an infection starting. I am also supplied with a small stock of sputum sample jars in order to send a sample off to ensure that whatever infection I have is suitable for treatment with Amoxicillin. I hand this in to my local GP surgery and then let the Respiratory Nursing Team of my local hospital (Stafford) know that I have provided a sample and they keep an eye out for the results and notify me accordingly on whether I need to take a different antibiotic or other drug.

[VELoce21]

I do exactly the same do a sputum sample ring my respiratory nurse and start on my emergency antibiotics. Mine came back as raoultella ornithinolytica recently. My respiratory nurse hadn’t heard of it so rang the microbiology department. I’ve had pseudomonas before. Take care I don’t want to go near Coronavirus patients. Xx