sputum test

[tywy]

hello can unyphillin or azythromycin mask an infection in a sputum test has anyone had this problem thank you in advance for any replies tywy

[sassy59]

Hi tywy, Pete has had that problem in the past with azythromycin. He takes it 3 times a week. Xx

[tywy in reply to sassy59]

thank you i will take it up with resp nurse

[gingermusic]

I believe a sputum test only gives accurate results when done before any antibiotics course has been started.

[Hidden]

Uniphyllin isn't going to be a problem, and nor will azithromycin if you are only taking it three times a week. Sputum tests done in the community often come back negative because of the time taken to get the sample to the hospital. They often come back negative anyway because the bacteria are often deep in the lungs and the sputum sample may only be from higher up. My bronchiectasis specialist says to always start antibiotics anyway even if the sputum sample came back negative if you feel unwell, have more difficulty breathing, have a temperature or the colour of your sputum has changed. Basically any two of those things.

[tywy in reply to Hidden]

thank you i will ask gp when he is open