Test Code C BAL Q Culture, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Quantitative
Performing Laboratory
CCHS-Christiana Care Health ServicesMethodology
CultureIncludes gram stain.
Reference Values
<104 CFU/mLPhysician Office Specimen Requirements
Specimen must be delivered to laboratory within 1 hour of collection.
Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container
Specimen: 10 mL to 100 mL of bronchoalveolar lavage
Collection Instructions: Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: Label container with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of collection, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through SundayRoutine Turnaround Time
Gram stain: <8 hours
Preliminary: 24 hours
Final: 48 hours
Anaerobic: 5 days
STAT Turnaround Time
Gram stain: ≤1 hour