Bronchial Brushings
Also known as: Brushings Cytology
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
Specify the site brushed and include type of specimen and pertinent clinical data on the request form. This includes patient's name, age, Social Security number, clinical impression, past diagnoses, bronchoscopic and radiographic findings, admitting diagnosis, history of carcinoma, and history of radiation or chemotherapy.
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.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 22633-2
- 52797-8
- 47526-9
- 22638-1
- 22636-5
- 22634-0
- 22635-7
- 11546-9
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
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.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature. Smears and brushes should be placed in 95% ethyl alcohol; slides may be spray fixed.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling; improper fixation; air-drying artifact; specimen submitted in vial that expired according to manufacturer's label
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant