Eosinophil Count in Bronchial Fluid
This test measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your airway mucus (bronchial fluid). Eosinophils are often elevated in conditions like asthma, allergies, or certain infections.
["This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions affecting your airways and immune response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56771-9
- Short code
- Eosinophil NFr Bronch FC
- Synonyms
- Eosinophil NFr Bronch FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness that suggest an allergic reaction, asthma flare-up, or other inflammatory lung conditions. It can also be used to guide treatment decisions, such as steroid therapy.
What to Expect Before the Test
You may be asked to rinse your mouth with water and blow your nose gently before the test. A healthcare professional will collect mucus from your airways using a thin catheter inserted through your nose. This is usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic and may cause mild discomfort but no pain.
What Happens During the Test?
The collected bronchial fluid is sent to a lab, where it is examined under a microscope to count eosinophils. The results help determine if inflammation or allergic reactions are present in your airways.
What Do the Results Mean?
Higher than expected eosinophil counts may indicate conditions like allergic asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, or certain parasitic infections. Lower counts may suggest other types of lung issues or normal airway health. Your provider will discuss results with you in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Eosinophils in Bronchial Fluid Play a Key Role in Identifying Inflammatory or Allergic Processes in the Airways. Elevated eosinophils often correlate with conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). This test can help guide treatments such as corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications.
Short name
Bronchial Fluid Eosinophil Test
Frequently asked questions
Will I Need to Prepare for This Test?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Is This Test Painful?
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