Bacterial Culture, aerobic culture only - Bronchial Alveolar Lavage (BAL)

Transport ASAP (priority) unless requested STAT.
Specimen MUST be received in the laboratory within 2 hours of receipt in the RRL.
Store specimen at room temperature.
DO NOT refrigerate.

If multiple test requests are made, clearly prioritize by indicating #1, #2, etc. on requisition.

Indicate Candida/Yeast on requisition if required.

Quantitation of BAL Culture - Interpretation Guidelines:
In BAL cultures, bacteria causing pneumonia are usually present at >or= 10⁴ CFU/mL.
Oropharyngeal flora is usually present at < 10⁴ CFU/mL.

Quantitation of Intracellular Organisms in Stain - Interpretation Guidelines:

Performed when potential pathogens are reported from stain or culture.
The percentage of intracellular bacteria contained in polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages is predictive of pneumonia. An exact cut off is not established, but is believed to be around 5%.

Turnaround time for negative culture: 2 days.