Bronchial Lavage Fungal Culture (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of fungi in fluid collected from your airways, often done if you have symptoms like persistent cough, fever, or breathing difficulties that may suggest an infection.
["Helps diagnose fungal infections in your lungs or airways."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55318-0
- Short code
- Fungus Bronch Ql KOH Prep
- Synonyms
- Fungus Bronch Ql KOH Prep
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- koh-preparation
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, or unexplained fever that could be caused by a fungal infection. It’s also used in patients with weakened immune systems, those who have undergone lung procedures, or those with conditions like cystic fibrosis or HIV/AIDS that increase the risk of fungal infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may receive a sedative if the procedure is uncomfortable. The test involves inserting a tube into your airway to collect fluid from your lungs, which is then sent to a lab for culture.
What Happens During the Test
The procedure is typically done under sedation to minimize discomfort. A thin tube (bronchoscope) is passed through your nose or mouth into your airways. Fluid is collected from specific areas of your lungs, and the sample is sent to a lab for fungal culture analysis.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of fungi in your bronchial fluid, which may confirm a fungal infection. Negative results mean no fungi were detected in the sample, but other causes of symptoms should still be evaluated. Follow-up tests or treatments may be recommended based on the results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fungal infections in the airways can cause serious health issues, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic lung diseases, or those who have received long-term antibiotics. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications like lung damage, chronic infections, or spread of the infection to other parts of the body. This test helps guide treatment decisions, such as antifungal medications or further diagnostic procedures.
Short name
Fungal Culture of Bronchial Lavage Fluid
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive fungal culture mean?
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
Can I have this test if I’m allergic to certain medications?
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