Cytology - BronchoAlveolar Lavage, LBC

Cytology – Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL), LBC

Test Name: Cytology – Bronchoalveolar Lavage, LBC

Specimen: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid

Method: Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC)

Purpose:
This test examines cells obtained from the lower respiratory tract through bronchoalveolar lavage. It helps evaluate abnormal, inflammatory, infectious, and malignant cellular changes in the lungs.

Clinical Indications:

• Evaluation of suspected lung malignancy
• Investigation of abnormal pulmonary lesions
• Assessment of persistent or unexplained respiratory symptoms
• Evaluation of inflammatory or infectious lung conditions
• Follow-up of known or suspected pulmonary disease

Test Procedure:
BAL fluid is collected during bronchoscopy and processed using a liquid-based cytology technique. The cellular material is concentrated, prepared as a uniform slide, stained, and examined microscopically by a pathologist.

Report May Include:

• Adequacy of the specimen
• Cellular composition
• Benign/reactive changes
• Inflammatory cells
• Suspicious or malignant cells, if identified
• Background material and other significant cytological findings

Interpretation:
Results should be interpreted along with clinical history, imaging findings, bronchoscopy findings, and other laboratory investigations. A suspicious or malignant cytology result may require further evaluation, including biopsy and histopathological examination.