Test Overview
Test Usage

BAL for lipid (Oil Red-O): to detect the presence of lipid laden macrophages which are indicative of aspiration pneumonia and/or hemosiderin laden macrophages. Bronchial washing/BAL: to establish the presence of primary or metastatic neoplasm, and to aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases such as Cytomegalovirus, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis carinii.

Reference Range *

Interpretive report provided.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Addition of fixative, delay in delivery of specimen resulting in cellular degeneration, or allowing specimen to freeze may lead to rejection of specimen or unsatisfactory results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Analytic Time

24 - 48 hours

Soft Order Code
PCSH
Synonyms
  • Bronchial Washing Cytology
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cytology
  • BAL Cytology
  • Tracheal Washing Cytology
  • BRW
  • BRONCHIAL WASHING
  • CYTONG
  • Cytology, Non-Gyn
Laboratory
Cytopathology
Section
Cytopathology
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Label a clean, leakproof rigid container with the patient's last, first name and registration number (or other second unique patient identifier). Also indicate specific anatomic site. Place fresh specimen into the container. Submit with an appropriately completed requisition (one for each anatomic site), including pertinent patient history. Refrigerate specimens that cannot be delivered immediately and deliver as soon as possible. Do not allow specimen to freeze.

Normal Volume
submit as much as is available
Additional Information

Test includes pathologist interpretation of results billed as a separate additional charge or billed to the client as a global fee. Special stains and/or other ancillary studies will be performed when appropriate at an additional charge. By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that additional reflex testing will be performed and billed at a separate additional charge if indicated.

Billing
CPT Code
88104-TC
Fee Code
23137
Pro Fee CPT
88104-26
Pro Fee Code
88104.2