Bronchial Lavage CD19+ Lymphocyte Cell Count (Qualitative)
This test measures the presence of a specific type of immune cell (CD19+) found in your airway fluid, obtained through a bronchoscopy. It helps assess immune function or detect abnormalities in lung immunity.
["This test may help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting lung immunity or inflammation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32755-1
- Short code
- CD19BR
- Synonyms
- CD19 Cells NFr Bronch
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile specimen container for bronchial washings/lavage; heparinized or EDTA tubes for blood reference
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry (immunophenotyping) using CD19-specific fluorescent monoclonal antibodies
- CPT
- 86355
- SNOMED
- 409480003
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL of bronchial lavage fluid; ideally 3-5 mL for adequate cell recovery
- Stability
- Process within 2-4 hours of collection for optimal viability; refrigerate at 2-8°C if delayed processing anticipated; do not freeze
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent cough, lung infections, or immune disorders. It’s also used in research or specialized clinical settings to evaluate immune cell populations in the lungs.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll undergo a bronchoscopy under sedation. A thin tube is passed through your throat into your lungs, and fluid is collected from the airways. The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes and may cause mild discomfort afterward.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are qualitative (present or absent) rather than numerical. High levels of CD19+ cells may indicate immune activation or certain lung diseases, while low levels could suggest immune suppression or other conditions.
Common Conditions Evaluated
This test is less common but may be used in cases of chronic lung infections, immune deficiencies, or research studies on lung immunity. It’s not standard for routine diagnostics.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by laboratory; reported as percentage of total lymphocytes and absolute count (cells/μL). Generally, CD19+ B-lymphocytes constitute 5-15% of total lymphocytes in peripheral blood.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Bronchial specimens should be collected during bronchoscopy or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedure per institutional protocol.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: CD19+ cells are key immune cells in the adaptive immune response. Abnormal counts may signal immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, or lung-specific disorders, guiding further testing or treatment.
Short name
CD19+ Lymphocytes in Bronchial Wash
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Is this test painful?
How often can I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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