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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Phlegm Important For Sputum Test?

Hi Doc,
Im Gloria. My father had an x-ray last week and they found a spot. Is it enough that it shall be assumed that my father has a tuberculosis? No sputum test yet. second, as the doctor said, he cannot do sputum test not until my father can give a phlegm sample. is that correct?
Mon, 30 Oct 2017
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Not all spots on chest x ray are due to tuberculosis.
Spots on chest x ray can be due to tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung nodule, lung cyst etc.
So your father is not having tuberculosis only on the basis of spot on chest x ray.
You need to get done sputum test first.
And for this, he needs to give phlegm for testing.
Without this, sputum test is not possible.
So get done sputum test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.
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Is Phlegm Important For Sputum Test?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Not all spots on chest x ray are due to tuberculosis. Spots on chest x ray can be due to tuberculosis, pneumonia, lung nodule, lung cyst etc. So your father is not having tuberculosis only on the basis of spot on chest x ray. You need to get done sputum test first. And for this, he needs to give phlegm for testing. Without this, sputum test is not possible. So get done sputum test for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.