Broncho-Alveolar Lavage

Description: 
The identification and isolation of the causative agents of lower respiratory tract infections via bronchial washings. Please indicate where high risk organisms are implicated (such as TB). Microbiology will perform microscopy, isolation, identification and susceptibility of any organism likely to be pathogenic. Turn around time 2-3 days. Where possible, please send individual specimens for individual tests. Specimens may be processed for a wide range of tests in different departments where clinically indicated including virology, AAFB, mycology.
Clinical details: 
The lower respiratory tract comprises structures that are usually sterile, contamination by occasional micro-organisms is usual. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses and characteristed by acute inflammation of the bronchial tree, secondary bacterial infection may play a role in pathogenesis. Chronic bronchitis is defined by excessive mucus production with sputum production on most days for three consecutive months for more than two years, bacterial infection does not appear to initiate the disease but is probably significant in perpetuating it and in producing the characteristic acute exacerbations. Pneumonia occurs by four routes: colonisation of the upper airway, aspiration, inhalation and seeding via blood from a distant site of infection. clinical systoms of pneumonia are fever, chills, chest pain and cough, pneumonia is often associated with underlying diseases such as chronic obstructive airways disease (COAD), diabetes mellitus and those who are immunocompromised. Community acquired pneumonia can be associated with travel and exposure to animals.
Synonyms or keywords: 
BAL, non-directed bronchial lavage (NBL)
Sample type and Volume required: 
Broncho- alveolar lavage or non-directed bronchial lavage. Please send a minimum of 10ml in a plain sterile universal container.
Turnaround time: 
2 -3 days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Do not send these samples via the air tube system.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 06/10/2023