Bronchial Washings Collection

Indications: For the detection and characterization of bronchoscopically ill-defined or invisible premalignant/malignant pulmonary lesions; for the identification of some microbiologic pathogens (primarily viral or pneumocystis).

Specimen required: Bronchoscopically obtained washing (10 mL is preferred, fresh no fixative) of the bronchi in the region of the suspected lesion.

Supplies: Standard bronchoscopy equipment. 120 mL clean plastic specimen container(s).

Collection procedures: Using standard bronchoscopy technique, lavage the distribution of the bronchus to be sampled. Collect the wash in a clean container. Label the container with patient’s first and last name, date of birth, and specimen source.

Fixation: Submit specimens fresh and unfixed if at all possible (see below).
If this is not possible then either:
1. Refrigerate fresh specimen (4°C) or (39°F) up to 24 hours.
2. Add a equal amount of CytoRich Red™ cytology preservative to specimen.
3. Add a equal amount of 50% ethanol to specimen.
4. Submit specimen in a proprietary transport medium use for liquid based systems, supplied by laboratory (e.g. Cyto-Rich Red™, CytoLyt).

Transport: Each specimen should be placed in a clearly labeled container that is leak proof. Place specimen inside a biohazard transport bag. Paper requisition(s) that accompany the specimen or slides in fixative should be placed in the outside pocket of the biohazard bag to avoid exposure to any leakage of fixative.

Causes for rejection: Incomplete patient requisitions, unlabeled/incorrectly labeled specimen, frozen specimen, incorrect test ordered for specimen, specimen in incorrect or expired fixative, specimen from unauthorized person.

Specimen stability: Up to 24 hours for fresh specimen, no fixative added and refrigerated (4°C) or (39°F). Fixative added to specimen at room temperature indefinitely.

Reference interval: By report.

Note: For Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens refer to Bronchoalveolar Lavage.

CPT code(s): Depending on methodology: 88112 Selective cellular enhancement with interpretation or 88108 Concentration and interpretation or 88104 Smears with interpretation or 8806 Cytopathology, filter. Additional CPT codes may apply if special studies are required.

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