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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Negative Sputum Test Result In A TB Patient Indicate?

hi! i am diagnosed with TB cause i had a chest xray says so, but my sputum says im negative. my doctor still put me on treatment and ive been on treatment for 2 weeks now with quadtab. recently i caught a cold and cough, my cough has been productive. would it be possible for my phlegm to be contagious? i havent skipped any medications. although my sputum exam says im negative, im scared my my recent cough may be contagious. thank you!
Tue, 27 Jan 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
The treatment for tuberculosis is prolonged.
It has to be continued for 6-9 months.
The main aim of treatment initially is to convert the sputum negative for tubercle bacilli.
It is a good sign that sputum has turned negative even if there is productive cough.
The medication has to be continued without skipping any dose.
Since, the sputum is negative, you are not contagious.
Do not worry and continue with your treatment and remain in touch with your treating doctor.

Thanks and take care
DR Shailja Puri
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What Does Negative Sputum Test Result In A TB Patient Indicate?

Hello and welcome to HCM, The treatment for tuberculosis is prolonged. It has to be continued for 6-9 months. The main aim of treatment initially is to convert the sputum negative for tubercle bacilli. It is a good sign that sputum has turned negative even if there is productive cough. The medication has to be continued without skipping any dose. Since, the sputum is negative, you are not contagious. Do not worry and continue with your treatment and remain in touch with your treating doctor. Thanks and take care DR Shailja Puri