: Macrophages [Presence] in Bronchial Fluid
: This test looks for macrophages, a type of white blood cell, in a sample of fluid from the airways (bronchial fluid), often collected during a procedure such as bronchoalveolar lavage. Finding these cells helps clinicians assess the type and degree of inflammation in the lungs.
[": Detecting macrophages in bronchial fluid can support evaluation of lung inflammation and immune response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56772-7
- Short code
- Macrophages NFr Bronch FC
- Synonyms
- Macrophages 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
: What the Test Measures
: Macrophages are immune cells that help clear debris, microbes, and other particles from the lungs. This test reports whether macrophages are present in bronchial fluid, which is the fluid lining the airways, usually obtained by washing a small area of the lung during a bronchoscopy procedure.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: The sample is typically obtained during bronchoalveolar lavage, in which a small amount of sterile fluid is introduced into the airways and then collected for laboratory analysis. The fluid is examined under a microscope to look for macrophages and other cells.
: What Results Mean
: The presence of macrophages is generally expected in airway fluid and reflects normal immune surveillance. The proportion and pattern of macrophages, together with other cells, can help providers interpret inflammation. Results are always considered alongside symptoms, imaging, and other tests.
: Limits of the Test
: This finding alone cannot diagnose a specific lung disease. Macrophages can be present in healthy airways as well as in various inflammatory or infectious conditions, so the test is most useful when interpreted as part of a broader clinical picture.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Macrophage assessment in bronchial fluid is used to help characterize pulmonary immune and inflammatory responses. It may support evaluation of conditions such as infections, interstitial lung disease, or other inflammatory processes, but it should not be interpreted in isolation. Reference ranges and interpretation criteria vary by laboratory and collection method, and no single numeric range applies universally.
Short name
: Bronchial Fluid Macrophages
Frequently asked questions
: Is finding macrophages in bronchial fluid normal?
: Does this test diagnose a specific lung disease?
: How is bronchial fluid collected?
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