My husband was diagnosed 15 months ago with MAI.  He has taken antibiotics since then and now he has been asked to provide 3 x sputum samples to see if the MAI is clear.  We are on holiday when they want the samples, do they have to be fresh or can we hold onto them for 5 days until we return?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Yes, fresh samples are required to know whether MAI (mycobacterium album intracellular) infection is treated or not. So don't collect sputum sample while you are on holiday because bacilli can be dead and degenerate if kept for 2-3 days in container. So chances of false negative result is high in this. Take samples once you reach home and able to send to laboratory on the same day. This will give exact results. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your husband. Thanks.