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HelpTest Code BALC Culture, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Quantitative
Additional Codes
Epic Code
LAB267
Methodology
Includes serial dilution of specimen, Gram stain, and
quantitative bacterial culture (CFU/mL; colony forming units per
mL
of fluid), and susceptibility testing on clinically
significant isolates.
Note: Bronchial aspirate specimen
submitted for bacterial culture will be processed as a
quantitative
culture per Laboratory policy.
Performing Laboratory
Bronson Laboratory Services-Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Bronchoalveolar lavage, Bronchial Brush
Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile
container
Specimen Volume: Entire collection
Collection Instructions:
1. Specimen source and time of
collection are
required.
2. Label container with patient’s full name, date
of
birth, and date and time of collection.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 24 hours/Ambient 2 hours
Reference Values
Normal finding: <100,000 CFU/mL
Abnormal finding: >100,000 CFU/mL of a recognized
bacterial pathogen
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87070