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HelpTest Code LAB267 Culture, Respiratory Other
Infectious
Specimen Type
bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial
wash, bronchial brush for aerobic pathogens
Specimen Requirement
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL): Submit entire collection in a sterile container.
40-80 ml is required for quantitative culture.
Bronchial wash: Submit entire collection in a sterile container.
Bronchial brush: Place the protected brush specimen in a sterile container with 1 ml of non-bacteriostatic
saline.
Rejection Criteria
Reject if specimen container is unlabeled or leaking.
Reject for inappropriate storage or transport.
Storage and Transport
Transport the specimen to the Microbiology Lab within 2 hours at room temperature.
If transport is delayed, specimens may be stored at 2-8° C for up to 24 hours before testing.
Testing Schedule
Performed daily
Reference Range
No pathogens isolated, or no growth in 2-3 days.
Testing Department
Microbiology
Method
Culture
CPT Code
87070 and 87205
Turnaround Time
Preliminary Result 24 hours
STAT Turnaround Time
Not Applicable