Microbiology
| Full details for "Bronchoalveolar lavage (culture)". | |
|---|---|
Name |
Bronchoalveolar lavage (culture) |
Alternative name/Profile |
BAL / Bronchial aspirate / Bronchial brushing / Bronchial washings / Legionella / Transthoracic aspirate / Transtracheal aspiration / Tracheal aspirate / Respiratory tract infection / pneumonia / Mycobacterium tuberculosis / TB / Streptococcus pneumoniae / Haemophilus influenzae / Moraxella catarrhalis / RSV / Influenza / Adenovirus/SARS |
Department |
Microbiology |
Investigation |
|
Specimen type |
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Bronchial washings or brushings |
Sample type |
|
Sample container & volume |
Sterile universal container |
Frequency of analysis |
Daily |
Turnaround time |
5 days |
Availability |
Monday - Sunday |
Notes |
Recovery and recognition of organisms responsible for pneumonia depends on;
Specimens should be collected before antimicrobial therapy has been initiated where possible. A segment of lung is ‘washed’ with sterile saline after insertion of a flexible bronchoscope. This allows recovery of both cellular and non-cellular components of the epithelial surface of the lower respiratory tract. It is a reliable method for making a definitive aetiological diagnosis of pneumonia and other pulmonary infections. Legionella culture will be performed if requested and where clinical details state pneumonia/flu-like symptoms. Testing for TB, Viral studies and Galactomannan is not routinely performed on BAL samples please request these tests specifically if clinically indicated. Send sample to the laboratory without delay. Sample should be refrigerated if not transported immediately |
Related links |
For further information please consult: PHE SOP B57: Investigation of Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Sputum and associated specimens
|
Reference range |
|
Last updated |
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:53:30 GMT |