Mononuclear Cell Count in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
This test measures the number of certain white blood cells (mononuclear cells) found in the airways after a procedure called bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). These cells help assess lung inflammation, infection, or other lung conditions.
["Helps diagnose and monitor lung diseases by examining immune cells in the lung airways."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32807-0
- Short code
- Mononuc Cells NFr Bronch
- Synonyms
- Mononuc Cells NFr Bronch
- 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 Is Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)?
Bronchoalveolar lavage is a procedure where a thin tube is inserted through your throat into your lungs to collect fluid and cells from the air sacs (alveoli). This helps doctors examine lung tissue for signs of infection, inflammation, or other lung diseases.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained lung problems. It’s often used to investigate conditions such as pneumonia, lung cancer, or interstitial lung diseases.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb your throat before the procedure. A thin tube is inserted, and sterile saline is gently washed into your lungs to collect fluid and cells, which are then analyzed under a microscope.
What Are Mononuclear Cells?
Mononuclear cells include types of white blood cells like lymphocytes and monocytes. These cells play a key role in immune responses and can indicate inflammation, infection, or other lung abnormalities in the collected fluid.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated count of mononuclear cells in BAL fluid may suggest conditions like pneumonia, lung inflammation (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), or certain types of lung cancer. Low or normal counts might indicate less inflammation or infection, but further evaluation is needed to confirm.
Short name
Mononuclear Cells in BAL
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What preparation is needed before the test?
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