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Test Code BALCEL Cell Count and Differential, Bronchial Alveolar Lavage (BAL)

Additional Codes

EPIC LAB4291

 

Purpose

The evaluation of cellular components of Bronchial alveolar lavage can be useful in diagnosis of patients with airway diseases, interstitial diseases, sarcoidosis, malignancies, infections, and suspected alveolar hemorrhage

Methodology

  • Cell count - Hemocytometer
  • Differential - Cytocentrifugation smear w/ Wright's stain

Sample Type

Collected in a sterile cup (no anticoagulant)

  • Bronchial washings

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability

Temperature Time
Ambient (18-25°C) 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C) (store) 4-6 hours
Frozen (-15 to -20°C) N/A

Reference Ranges

Not established - By the very nature of its origin, a BAL specimen may contain WBCs, alveolar cells, and bronchial lining cells. All of these nucleated cell are included in the nucleated cell count and differential

Rejection Criteria

  • Unlabeled specimens
  • Specimens outside of stability limits*

 

*In the event the sample is outside of its stability limits, a differential slide will still be attempted.

Availability

Performed STAT
24/7 Yes

 

Performing Laboratory

MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital Laboratory

Lab Department

Hematology

CPT Code

Cell count (BALCNT) - 89051

Differential (BFDIF) - 89050

LOINC

99051-5 WBC Manual cnt (BAL) [#/Vol]

99050-7 RBC Manual cnt (BAL) [#/Vol]

81620-7 Differential panel (Bronch spec)