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Test Code LAB3643 Bronchial Culture

Infectious

Clinical System Name

Bronchial Culture

Synonyms

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Culture

Bronchial Alveolar Lavage

BAL

Bronchial Wash Culture

LAB3643

Sample Requirements

Specimen: BAL or Bronchial Wash. Samples from different sites will be pooled for all tests unless otherwise specified.

If M. tuberculosis is suspected, please notify Microbiology Lab.

Container: Sterile Container

Preferred Vol: N/A

Minimum Vol: N/A

 

 

Processing Instructions

 

CPA: Send to Microbiology for processing.  If sample is shared and only one tube, syringe or other container is received, affix shared sample label and send entire sample plus requisition to Microbiology. Smears for Cytology stains are prepared in Microbiology and forwarded to Histology.

 

Off-site collection: Off-site Children's Lab locations should send sample to SCH Main Campus for set up and gram stain. Refrigerate until and during courier transport. 

 

Other off-site locations, refrigerate sample during storage and transport to SCH Microbiology. Sample must be received into the microbiology laboratory within 24 hours of collection. 

Stability

Temp Time
Room temp 1 hour
Refrigerated 24 hours
Frozen N

 

Availability

Procedure Performed Turn Around Time (TAT)
Gram Stain 24/7

1 hour

Culture 24/7 48-72 hours

 

 

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory

 

Department

Microbiology Laboratory

CPT Codes

87070

87205 (Gram Stain)

This test is not limited to the CPT codes listed.  Others may be added as more testing is necessary and depending on the pathogens isolated (example: MIC's and ID codes)

Description

Includes Bacterial Culture and Gram Stain. Specimen cultured for Aerobic bacteria. Bronchial Alveolar Lavage (BAL) and Bronchial Washes are cultured Qualitatively.

 

For Telescoping Bronchial Brushes order a Bronchial Brush Culture which are cultured Semi-Quantitatively. 

Notifiable Result

See Link below for Notifiable Conditions for WA state labs:

https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/notifiable-conditions

 

See Link below for PDF of phone numbers for Local Health jurisdictions (by County) in WA State:

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1200/LHJCommunicableDiseaseReporting.pdf

Reporting Information

Gram Stain: 1 hour after receipt in Micro

Preliminary Report:  24 hours

Final Report: 48 - 72 hours