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:

  1. Complete the requisition entirely.
  2. Pre-label collection container(s) with patient name and sample site.
  3. Using standard bronchoscopy techniques, obtain the washings/lavage from the lung area of interest by instilling saline and aspirate the material.
  4. 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