Bronchial Washings Cytology
NAME OF PROCEDURE:
Bronchial Washings Cytology
TEST CODE:
NGYN
CPT CODE:
- 88112 – Cytopathology, selective cellular enhancement technique with interpretation (eg, liquid based slide preparation method), except cervical or vaginal)
- 88305 – Level IV Surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination.
SYNONYMS:
Washing Cytology
APPLIES TO:
Bronchial-Alveolar Lavage Cytology; Bronchial Lavage/Wash Cytology; Tracheal Lavage/Wash/Aspirations Cytology.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Information regarding type of specimen, admitting diagnosis, and pertinent clinical history (i.e., age, clinical impression, past diagnosis, radiographic findings, and history of radiation/chemotherapy or malignancy) is essential to interpretation and should be noted on the
- Infectious diseases suspected and special stains requested should be
- Clinical evidence of immunosuppression should be indicated.
- Special handling requirements (isolation) should be clearly noted on the requisition.
- If other studies are required, submit to appropriate laboratory separately.
SPECIMEN (S):
- Bronchial Washings/Lavages, Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), Tracheal Washings
- Bronchial washings/lavages are evaluated to diagnose benign and malignant conditions in the lung area.
CONTAINER:
- Clean, leak-proof container(s).
- Label all containers with a minimum of two patient identifiers.
COLLECTION TECHNIQUE:
- Complete the requisition entirely.
- Pre-label collection container(s) with patient name and sample site.
- Using standard bronchoscopy techniques, obtain the washings/lavage from the lung area of interest by instilling saline and aspirate the material.
- Collect the fluid in a leak-proof container.
- Specimen may be submitted fresh/unfixed or fixed in CytoLyt.
- Add a volume of fixative to the specimen such that the ratio of fixative to specimen is 2:1Seal container well to prevent leaking.
5. Seal container well to prevent leaking.
6. Place labeled container in a sealable Biohazard specimen bag and include the requisition in the outer pocket of the specimen bag.
7. Send the entire specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible.
**REFRIGERATE ALL CYTOLOGY SPECIMENS IF IMMEDIATE DELIVERY TO LAB/CYTOLOGY IS NOT POSSIBLE**
REQUEST FORM:
Anatomical Pathology Requisition
- Complete patient information section.
- Complete the Non-Gynecologic section thoroughly.
CAUSES FOR REJECTION:
- Incomplete requisition.
- Specimen container not labeled properly.
- Gross contamination due to spillage.
- Prolonged period (more than eight (8) hours) at room temperature.
- Delay in delivery for adequate preservation.
LIMITATIONS:
- Negative bronchial washing may considered non-diagnostic if respiratory epithelium is not present.
METHODOLOGY:
- Smears and thin layer preparations are examined microscopically using the Pap stain method.
- Cell block specimens prepared and stained using Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E) stain method.
- Special stains and special studies (IHC, ISH, molecular, etc.), if needed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Information is also available on the SEPA website under Resources – Directory of Services.
Please call laboratory if you have questions