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Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cell Count

Alternative Names/Synonyms	BAL, BAL Cell Count, Body Fluid Cell Count
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Hematology
Specimen Type	Fluid
Test Code	BALHE

Ordering Instructions, Requisition

Special Lab Requisition (MS 331)

Clinical Significance

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is typically performed to diagnose lung disease (1). In particular, BAL is commonly used to diagnose infections in people with immune system problems(2), pneumonia in people on ventilators, some types of lung cancer, and scarring of the lung (interstitial lung disease). Test includes the determination of Total nucleated cell count, White cell count and differential cell counts.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

1 mL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

Sterile Container

CollectionContainers

Collection Requirements

Fluids should be sent to lab promptly as they have to be processed immediately.

Cause for Rejection

Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Automated

Test Availability

24 hours, 7 days/week.

STAT Turnaround Time

2 hours

Routine Turnaround Time

2 hours

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 Extension 4688