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22375 Cytology, Bronchial Washings

Cytology, Bronchial Washings
Test Code: Pathology Non-Gyn Request
Synonyms/Keywords
​Bronchial Wash, Bronchial Lavage​
Useful For

​This test is utilized to evaluate the status of the bronchioles and alveoli beyond the reach of the bronchoscope, aiding in the diagnosis and localization of lung tumors and identification of the causative agents of pulmonary infections.

Samples are obtained during a bronchoscopy procedure by instilling normal saline into the selected bronchus and reaspirating the fluid.  This process may be performed several times to one area or to different areas.

Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)

Washing or

Lavage

Sage Container,
Centrifuge Tube​​
Collection Processing Instructions
Submission of specimen volumes greater than 35 mL is requested; optimal volume for routine cytological testing is 10 mL.

PREFERRED:  After collection, send the fresh specimen in the appropriate container to the lab.  Lab personnel must fix specimen within 2 hrs. of collection by adding 30 mL of Cytolyt.
 
ALTERNATE:  If there will be a delay of more than two hours, fix specimen by adding 30 mL of Cytolyt​.
 
NOTE:  If a culture is also requested on the same specimen, collect specimen in a sage container without the alcohol fixative (fresh specimen).  Specimen must be sent to Microbiology for culturing BEFORE adding the alcohol fixative.​
Acceptable Body Sites
Bronchial, Left Upper Lobe (LUL) Bronchial, Left Lower Lobe (LLL) Bronchial, Right Upper Lobe (RUL) Bronchial, Right Middle Lobe (RML) Bronchial, Right Lower Lobe (RLL) Bronchial, Lingula​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature
Washing​ Refrigerate​
Lavage​ Refrigerate​
Interference
Specimens not fixed within two hours of collection may not be acceptable.  Consult Cytopathology with questions (800-222-5835, ext. 1-6155).​
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield​ Monday-Friday​ 2 day​s
ThinPrep, Light Microscopy​
Test Information
Include specimen source, pertinent patient history and clinical information and appropriate ICD-10 code on the electronic order or test requisition form.
 
If multiple specimens are collected during a bronchial procedure, label each container with the appropriate site, date and time of fixation and fixative type. 
 
Additional special stains may be requested.  Add the appropriate comment for the requested special stains (i.e. Fungus/Silver Stain/MS, Iron Stain/FE/Hemosiderin, Lipid Stain/Oil Red O/ORO, AFB​) to the electronic order comments section or write on the test requisition form.
 
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
Marshfield ​ Interpretative Report​
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
88112​ Cytology ThinPrep​
88305​ Cell Block​
88312​

Special Stain​
​​88313
​Special Stain
Synonyms/Keywords
​Bronchial Wash, Bronchial Lavage​
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)

Washing or

Lavage

Sage Container,
Centrifuge Tube​​
Collection Processing
Submission of specimen volumes greater than 35 mL is requested; optimal volume for routine cytological testing is 10 mL.

PREFERRED:  After collection, send the fresh specimen in the appropriate container to the lab.  Lab personnel must fix specimen within 2 hrs. of collection by adding 30 mL of Cytolyt.
 
ALTERNATE:  If there will be a delay of more than two hours, fix specimen by adding 30 mL of Cytolyt​.
 
NOTE:  If a culture is also requested on the same specimen, collect specimen in a sage container without the alcohol fixative (fresh specimen).  Specimen must be sent to Microbiology for culturing BEFORE adding the alcohol fixative.​
Acceptable Body Sites
Bronchial, Left Upper Lobe (LUL) Bronchial, Left Lower Lobe (LLL) Bronchial, Right Upper Lobe (RUL) Bronchial, Right Middle Lobe (RML) Bronchial, Right Lower Lobe (RLL) Bronchial, Lingula​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature
Washing​ Refrigerate​
Lavage​ Refrigerate​
Interference
Specimens not fixed within two hours of collection may not be acceptable.  Consult Cytopathology with questions (800-222-5835, ext. 1-6155).​
Useful For

​This test is utilized to evaluate the status of the bronchioles and alveoli beyond the reach of the bronchoscope, aiding in the diagnosis and localization of lung tumors and identification of the causative agents of pulmonary infections.

Samples are obtained during a bronchoscopy procedure by instilling normal saline into the selected bronchus and reaspirating the fluid.  This process may be performed several times to one area or to different areas.

Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
Marshfield ​ Interpretative Report​
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield​ Monday-Friday​ 2 day​s
ThinPrep, Light Microscopy​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
88112​ Cytology ThinPrep​
88305​ Cell Block​
88312​

Special Stain​
​​88313
​Special Stain
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.