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Test Code LABCNONG  Cytology, BAL/Bronch Wash

Important Note

If GMS stain is needed, see test LABSILVER which will also include routine cytology preparation. DO NOT ORDER BOTH LABSILVER and LABCNONG.

If ORO stain is needed, write request in clinical information comments.

Additional Codes

Test Name in EPIC Epic Test Code Mnemonic
Cytology, Non-Gynecologic LABCNONG non-Gyn

 

Useful For/Utility

Utilized to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial infections (such as tuberculosis and bacterial pneumonia) and fungal infections or to confirm the presence of malignancy.

Methodology

Microscopic evaluation of stained slides.

Clinical Information

A bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) is a minimally invasive  procedure in which a fluid sample is obtained by washing the airways with a sterile saline solution.  A BAL is typically performed during a bronchoscopy.  By utilizing the bronchoscope and performing the BAL prior to biopsy or brushing collections can help minimize bronchial wall debris and RBCs into the most distal airways, which will provide a better specimen for analysis. Patel PH, Antoine M, Ullah S. Bronchoalveolar Lavage. [Updated 2021 Aug 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430762/

Specimen Requirements

For best results, specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection. 
Specimen source is required.

 

Specimen Type: Tracheal aspirate, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), bronchial washing
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Fixative:  Fixative is dependent on location.  See chart below.
Amount of Fixative:  Equal amount to specimen collected (50:50) Note: if ORO is ordered no fixative should be added to the specimen.

 

Essentia Health Region Cytology Liquid Fixative
SMDC Clinical Lab CytoRich Red
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab 50% Ethanol
Fargo Hospital Lab Saccomanno

 

Specimen Transport Tempurature

Ambient No /Refrigerate OK/Frozen NO

See "Resources" link for additional transport information (Cytology Specimen Regional Transport Table)

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Friday

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Perfomring Laboratory

Cytology-

SMDC Clinical Lab

St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab

Fargo Hosptial Lab

Test Classification and CPT Coding

Variable dependent upon processing technique.

Additional Information

Container must have the patient’s full name, Medical Record Number, Date of Birth, date and time of collection, and specimen source.   An EPIC order label is preferred.

 

The following specimens are at risk of being delay and/or discarded:
-Spilled specimen
-No requisition form or EPIC order
-Name on requisition or EPIC order does not match name on specimen
-Unlabeled specimen
-No provider name given

 

Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with request form (if present) inserted into the pocket separate from specimen.