Bronchial Washings Protocol
Department
Microbiology
Instructions
This Protocol Includes:
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect: Bronchial washings specimen in a sterile collection container.
- To request this protocol, order in the Hospital Information System (EPIC oneChart) or write on the Microbiology request form, Bronchial Washings Protocol, and specify the specimen type.
- Do not send Leuken's Trap containers to the Microbiology Laboratory. Prior to transport, transfer specimen to a sterile screw-capped container.
Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation
The specimen is stable at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) for a maximum of 2 hours, after which the specimen must be refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). Transport the specimen to the Laboratory within 4 hours of collection.
Preparation for Courier Transport
Transport: Specimen in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).
Rejection Criteria
- Specimens collected in non-sterile containers.
- Leaking containers.
- Improperly stored specimens.
- Specimens containing preservatives (e.g., Formalin), or in a container that ever had Formalin in it.
Inpatient Specimen Preparation
Deliver the specimen to the Laboratory immediately after collection.
In-Lab Processing
A delay in processing of more than 1-2 hours may result in loss of recovery of fastidious pathogens such as S. pneumoniae and overgrowth of other microorganisms.
Storage
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 4 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Laboratory
Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory
Farmington Hills, Grosse Pointe and Troy sent to Royal Oak Microbiology Laboratory for testing.
Dearborn Microbiology Laboratory
Taylor, Trenton and Wayne sent to Dearborn Microbiology Laboratory for testing.
Performed
Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
Reference Range
No pathogens recovered.
Test Methodology
Concentration, stain, and culture.
Clinical Utility
To aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary disease caused by infectious agents.
Reference
- Vandamme, P.A.R., 2015. Specimen Collection, Transport, and Processing: Bacteriology. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 11th ed., Jorgensen, J.H., et. al., eds. American Society for Microbiology, Washington, D.C.,
- Gilligan, P., K. Alby and M.K. York, 2016. Lower Respiratory Tract Cultures. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, 4rd edition. Leber, A.L., Editor-in-Chief. ASM Press. Washington, D.C.
CPT Codes
87205, 87070, 87102, 87015, 87116, 87278.
Contacts
Main Laboratory – TYL
313-295-5360
Name: Main Laboratory – TYL
Location:
Phone: 313-295-5360
Main Laboratory –WYN
734-467-4274
Name: Main Laboratory –WYN
Location:
Phone: 734-467-4274
Main Laboratory – TRN
734-671-3869
Name: Main Laboratory – TRN
Location:
Phone: 734-671-3869
Microbiology Laboratory – DBN
313-593-7921
Name: Microbiology Laboratory – DBN
Location:
Phone: 313-593-7921
Microbiology Laboratory – FH
947-521-7488
Name: Microbiology Laboratory – FH
Location:
Phone: 947-521-7488
Microbiology Laboratory – GP
313-473-1802
Name: Microbiology Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1802
Microbiology Laboratory – RO
248-551-8090
Name: Microbiology Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-551-8090
Microbiology Laboratory – TR
248-964-6127
Name: Microbiology Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-6127
Last Updated
10/9/2023
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