Bronchial Brushings

Also known as: Brushings Cytology

Clinical Use

Use

Establish the presence of primary or metastatic neoplasms; aid in the diagnosis of certain infections with herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, Aspergillus, Coccidioides, Candida, Actinomyces, Cryptococcus, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Phycomycetes, Pneumocystis carinii, and Strongyloides; aid in the diagnosis of asbestosis

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

Allowing smears and brushes to air dry before they are fixed will render them unsatisfactory for cytologic evaluation. Proper fixation and labeling are essential to ensure specimen adequacy and prevent rejection. Improper labeling, fixation, or air-drying artifacts can lead to specimen rejection or inadequate results.

Test Details

Methodology

Other

Biomarkers

Targets not provided.

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

22633-2 - Path report.site of origin Spec
52797-8 - Dx ICD code
47526-9 - Cytology Spec Doc Cyto
22638-1 - Path report.comments Imp Spec
22636-5 - Path report.relevant Hx Spec
22634-0 - Path report.gross Spec
22635-7 - Path report.microscopic Spec Other Stn
11546-9 - Other Stn Spec

Result Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen

Other

Volume

Minimum of two slides

Minimum Volume

Not provided

Container

Glass slides or centrifuge tubes containing brushes

Collection Instructions

Roll brush over glass slide to cover the area of a dime and fix immediately with spray fixative or fix in 95% ethyl alcohol. Label bottle with exact body site, patient's name, hospital number, room number and date. Using a graphite pencil, label frosted slide with patient's name. If more than one slide is used, separate them with a paper clip. Disposable bronchial brushes should be submitted in saline with sheath removed and sent to the laboratory immediately.