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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why My Sputum Test Shows Negative For Cavitary Ptb?

hi doc, im andrea, my xray the result is I have a cavitary ptb, but after laboratory test for my sputum the result is negative, so meaning those two results contradict , when I had a research for cavitary ptb it is really contagious but how come my sputum is negative. please answer
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sun, 27 Apr 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 28 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Cavitary PTB is an infective condition and the positive sputum results are seen when a significant number of bacteria have been found. In your case the bacterial load may not be high enough to be seen in sputum. There are other tests for PTB (like ELISA and PCR) and I suggest you discuss that with your doctor.
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Why My Sputum Test Shows Negative For Cavitary Ptb?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Cavitary PTB is an infective condition and the positive sputum results are seen when a significant number of bacteria have been found. In your case the bacterial load may not be high enough to be seen in sputum. There are other tests for PTB (like ELISA and PCR) and I suggest you discuss that with your doctor.