Fluorescent Immunoassay for Bronchial Lavage Fluid (Bronchoalveolar Lavage) for Specific Antigen Detection (e.g., *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* or *Chlamydia pneumoniae*)
This test measures specific antibodies or antigens in fluid collected from your lungs using a fluorescent immunoassay. It helps diagnose infections like pneumonia caused by certain bacteria.
["This test can identify lung infections that standard blood tests might miss."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44576-7
- Short code
- FLUBV Ag Bronch Ql
- Synonyms
- FLUBV Ag Bronch Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test detects the presence of particular antigens (like bacterial proteins) or antibodies (like immune system markers) in the lavage fluid. These markers help confirm infections such as *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* or *Chlamydia pneumoniae*, which can cause atypical pneumonia.
Why It’s Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent cough, fever, or trouble breathing, especially if other tests (like blood cultures or chest X-rays) don’t clearly show an infection.
How It’s Performed
A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedure is used to collect fluid from your lungs. A thin tube is inserted through your nose or mouth into your airways, and sterile fluid is gently washed into your lungs. The fluid is then sent to the lab for testing.
What to Expect Before or After
Before the procedure, you may be asked to stop certain medications (like blood thinners) or avoid eating/drinking for a short time. Afterward, you might experience mild coughing, sore throat, or fatigue, but these are usually temporary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing infections in the lungs that are resistant to standard blood tests or when other causes (like lung cancer or inflammation) are suspected. Early detection can guide treatment decisions, such as targeted antibiotics or supportive care.
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor recommend this test?
What does a positive result mean?
How long will I need to wait for results?
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