| BRONCHIAL ALVEOLAR LAVAGE (BAL) FLUID (CYTO BAL) | |
|---|---|
| Test Mnemonic: | |
| Specimen Requirements: | Preferred: Fresh specimens sent to the laboratory immediately; Acceptable: specimens refrigerated 1-2 days. |
| Container: | Well-constructed container with secure lid and sealed plastic bag |
| Minimum Volume: | 1 ml |
| Storage/Transport: | Fresh specimen may be refrigerated 1-2 days. Call the laboratory if more than 2 days old. |
| Causes for Rejection: | Delayed delivery of fresh specimens, incomplete and/or improper labeling, insufficient pertinent clinical history, missing collection information. |
| Reference Range: | |
| Turnaround Time: | Routine: 1-3 working days; STAT: same day |
| Methodology: | |
| Performed: | Specimens are accepted Monday-Friday from 8 AM-5 PM (except holidays) at Room 4.610, Clinical Services Wing. |
| Lab: | Cytology |
| Synonyms: | BAL RML, BAL RLL, BAL RUL, BAL LLL, BAL LUL, BAL LINGULA |
| Clinical Indication: | Detection of abnormal cells, malignant cells, and infectious agents |
| When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent. | |