Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Cellular examination to exclude or confirm presence of malignant cells. BAL from Paediatric patients will be examined and special stains used to look for eosinophils, fat, haemosiderin, some infections (gram stain and acid fast bacilli) and PAS stain for fungi.
Specimen container adult:
25ml Universal container for lavages.5ml white capped tubes containing cytorich red fixative (check expiry date).Slide containers for slide brushings
Minimum volume adult:
BAL 20ml and Brush tip in 5ml cytorich red preservative.
Special requirements:
Slide brushings are prepared they must be wet fixed with spray fixative immediately.Check expiry dates on cytorich red preservative. Indicate clearly on the form for any special investigations (e.g. eosinophils).
Sample stability:
Can be stored at room temparature for short periods, or store in refrigerator (2-8 degrees)
Transport requirements:
Standard
Quality assurance:
NEQAS technical EQA scheme