Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Test Code

BAL

Alias/See Also

BAL

CPT Codes
89051

Includes

BAL Volume, 200 Cell Differential

Preferred Specimen

Lavage fluid

Other Acceptable Specimens

none

Instructions

Specimen should be delivered immediately after collection on ice.

Transport Container

MISC/1

Transport Temperature

on ice

Specimen Stability

1 hr

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Inadequate specimen or >60 minutes old

Methodology
MANUAL

Setup Schedule

Daily on Receipt

Reference Range

% Lymphs = 6-8

%Monos = 88-98

%Neutrophils = 0-1

%Eos = 0-1

Clinical Significance

Important diagnostic tool in the workup of patient with interstitial lung disease, namely the chronic diffuse infiltratve lung disease. This gfroup is characterized by allergic alveolitis which makes up about 25% of the cases, sarcoidosis which makes up about 21% of the cases, interstitial pneumonitis which makes up about 13% of the cases, and connective tissue disorders, such as lupus erythematosus and patients that are immunosuppressed, and it is a diagnostic procedure for opportunistic infections.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.