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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE
MessageTotal volume of the lavage should be included with submitted specimen
Test Code
BAL
Preferred Specimen
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Transport Container
Sterile specimen cup
Clinical Significance
Bronchoalveolar lavage is the sampling of the lower respiratory tract by the instillation and subsequent aspiration of fluid. This technique recovers cells, soluble proteins, lipids, and other chemical constituents from the epithelial surface of the lungs. By providing access to the lower respiratory tract, bronchoalveolar lavage may yield clinically significant findings and has greatly facilitated the study of the lung in health and disease. Bronchoalveolar lavage may yield clinically important information in the following instances: immunocompromised hosts, interstitial lung disease, airway disease, and malignancy.
