Bronchial lavage

Pathology category

Cytology

Test information

FRESH specimens are essential and all specimens should be sent to the laboratory immediately after collection. Ensure that all specimens are fully labelled with patient’s identification.

Cytology samples are kept for 2 weeks post authorisaition – Requests for additional examinations on the same primary sample must be requested prior to this.

Code

Referral code

Request form

All orders to be submitted using ICE

Guidelines

BAL specimens must be in as near a natural state as possible for accuracy of reporting.  They must be collected into a sterile, labelled glass non static duran bottle and packed on crushed ice and transported immediately to the laboratory for preparation to prevent cellular degeneration.  Sample volume obtained from the patient for this test is variable however 30 ml is the expected average.

Collection of BAL samples during the early part of the working day is encouraged to permit transport time to the laboratory and time for processing and preparation of the slides the same day of sample collection.

If the sample is expected to arrive after 16:00 pm the department must be notified with an approximate time of arrival to ensure that there is staff availability.

Please be advised that the laboratory opening hours are 8:00 – 17:00. In the event that a BAL sample is collected and sent to the laboratory outside of these hours the sample will be refrigerated until the laboratory next re-opens. There is a risk that during this time degeneration of cells can occur which can have an impact on results.

Pre-analytical

BAL samples should be sent down on ice and a member of the cytology team should be made aware of its arrival

Any materials used in taking these samples must be discarded in an approved clinical waste and/or sharps container.

Reference range

Reference ranges Normal adult (non-smoker)

Macrophages   >85%

Lymphocytes    10-15%

Neutrophils       <3%

Eosinphils          <1%

Tube type

Tube type info

Glass non static duran bottles on ice

Special requirements

Bronchial lavage

Minimum volume

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

10 days

TAT Inpatient

10 days

TAT GP/Outpatient

10 days

Referral lab