Basophilsnfrbal
A test that measures basophil cells in fluid collected from the lungs to help diagnose respiratory conditions.
{"Basophils are white blood cells that play a role in allergic reactions and immune responses","BAL is a procedure that collects fluid from the lungs for examination","This test helps doctors identify lung conditions like infections, inflammation, or allergic diseases","Results show the percentage and number of basophils among other lung cells","Normal basophil levels in BAL are typically very low"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106916-0
- Short code
- BALBASO
- Synonyms
- Basophils NFr BAL
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile specimen container for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Microscopic differential cell count
- CPT
- 86021
- SNOMED
- 396457009
- Specimen volume
- 10-20 mL of BAL fluid
- Stability
- Ambient: 1 hour; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 2 hours; Results should be processed promptly for optimal cell viability
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 2–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Basophils in Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) test measures the number and percentage of basophils in fluid collected from the lungs. Basophils are a type of white blood cell that are part of your immune system and play a key role in allergic reactions and fighting certain infections.
How is the sample collected?
Bronchoalveolar lavage is performed during a bronchoscopy procedure. A thin, flexible tube (bronchoscope) is passed through the nose or mouth and into the lungs. A small amount of saline solution is then flushed into the lung area and collected back out. This fluid contains cells from the air sacs and small airways, which are then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
What do the results mean?
The test reports the percentage and absolute count of basophils among all cells found in the BAL fluid. In healthy individuals, basophils typically make up less than 1% of the total cells in BAL. Your doctor will interpret these results along with other cell types (like neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils) to understand what might be causing your lung symptoms.
Reference range
≤ 0.5% of total cells; absolute count typically <0.05 x 10^3/µLN/A
No fasting required. Patient should be prepared for bronchoscopy per institutional protocol. Informed consent must be obtained prior to procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
Is the bronchoscopy procedure painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks with the BAL procedure?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy