Mucus tests

Posted , 7 users are following.

Test results on mucus specimens have until recently taken up to 4 days. Now I'm told it can be up to 10 days.  This seems to me too long a time. I am currently waiting with some apprehension . I would however be interested in knowing how common this is. Equally no sample can be submitted without the authorisation of a GP who will issue a label for the phiall.  This will entail an appointment.  I would really be interested to know what happens in other areas.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Anne,

    I believe it depends very much what they are testing for.  I am tested for Microbacterium Abcessus which can take upto a month and Pseudomonas which is much quicker.

    I generally take a sample whenever I go for my appointment at Papworth (uk) and they label it there.  They also provide me with labelled sample bottles and postal bags when needed.

    Kind Regards 

    Dave

    • Posted

      Only once have I been given labelled sample bottles -3 with accompanying envelopes. It is so much easier. That is really my complaint. 
  • Posted

    Hi Anne,

    I’ve never heard of tests taking 10 days.....

  • Posted

    Hi Ann

    I agree, this is far too long to wait. Our GP used to be much quicker but now runs along the same lines as yourself. It is so frustrating when the doctor says you need to be seen as soon as you feel poorly but then have to wait two weeks for an appointment before getting a sample put in to send off, and then the two week wait for the results. I don’t know a way round this at all.

    hope you get sorted soon.

    Anne

     

  • Posted

    I don't know where you are, Ann. I'm in the States and generally you must have that test ordered if you want the sterile, coded container. No lab around here these days will accept something else as home kitchens sterilize nothing.

    Sputum cultures cannot be speeded up. How long the cultures take depends upon which cultures the doc looks for. Some things grow more slowly than others. They're culturing mine right now & my pulmos nurse warned me that one of the things they're looking at takes a very long time & I won't get any results until they have results on all of the tests.

    The doctors & labs are trying to help us. Unless you've been waiting a matter of months, they are not needlessly prolonging sputum cultures.

    • Posted

      Thank you very much. Many of us will have suffered from this wretched illness for long enough to be very familiar with the information and facts you have provided. I have to say It had not occurred to me how useful my kettle might be.

      70 Years ago this July the NHS was launched -free at the point of entry I.e. Irrespective of how much money you may or may not have in your pocket. We grumble about it like we may do about an old friend.It has stood by us. And I am sure we are all grateful. 

       

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