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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Alternative For Sputum Test To Know Result Of PTB

No previous studies for comparison. Suspicious opacities are seen in both upper lung fields. An apicolordotic view is suggested for further evaluation. I had a previous history of PTB and had undergone a 6 months medication and healed. After which my X-ray results always show the same result. Now my employer requires me to have a Sputum Test but it is very difficult as I cannot expel phlegm ( as I don t have cough). What does the result really mean and do I have a better alternative than a sputum test that will show correct result?Anna
Tue, 2 Sep 2014
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thank you for your question on HCM. Yes you are right once you had TB in past and treated completely, there is healing for sure.and healing can occur by calcification or fibrosis. You must be having fibrosis. So it is old lesion, inactive. To prove that it is inactive ,bronchoscopy is needed. Bronchoscopy and BAL analysis is needed in your case. If it is negative for AFB you are not having active disease. It is far accurate than sputum. So consult pulmonologist and get done BAL.
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Suggest Alternative For Sputum Test To Know Result Of PTB

Thank you for your question on HCM. Yes you are right once you had TB in past and treated completely, there is healing for sure.and healing can occur by calcification or fibrosis. You must be having fibrosis. So it is old lesion, inactive. To prove that it is inactive ,bronchoscopy is needed. Bronchoscopy and BAL analysis is needed in your case. If it is negative for AFB you are not having active disease. It is far accurate than sputum. So consult pulmonologist and get done BAL.