Bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) for interstitial lung disease (ILD)

Test information: Isotonic saline is used to retrieve inflammatory cells from the distal airspaces during bronchoscopy

Specimen Type(s)

• Bronchoalveolar Lavage;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Sterile universal. Ensure sample vial is labelled with specimen site / type

Specimen Container - Adult

• Plain Universal;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Plain Universal;

Analytes

• N/A;

Part of a test profile?

N/A

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

10-20ml

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

Hand delivered to a member of the cytology team to ensure this is not treated as a routine bronchial sample for assessment of malignancy. Ensure the front of the form states sample is for "assessment of interstitial lung disease". Sample vials must be placed into a clear sealed specimen bag prior to sending to the laboratory accompanied with a completed request form. The sample must be transported to the department using the red designated Pathology transport boxes. These boxes are used by NHS couriers and hospital Porters. They will contain any spillage, and ensure data on samples is kept confidential. Specimens should never be placed in pockets, handbags etc.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Interpretative comment

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

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