Neutrophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
This test measures the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) found in the airways after a procedure called bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). BAL is used to collect fluid and cells from the lungs to diagnose conditions like infections, inflammation, or lung diseases.
["This test helps assess lung inflammation or infection by checking for high neutrophil counts in the airways."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27930-7
- Short code
- Neutrophils NFr Bronch
- Synonyms
- Neutrophils 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
Why is this test done?
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 infections, or inflammatory lung diseases like COPD exacerbations or certain types of lung fibrosis.
What does a high or low neutrophil count mean?
A high neutrophil count in the BAL fluid may suggest active inflammation or infection in the lungs, such as severe pneumonia or certain types of lung injury. A low count might indicate less inflammation or infection, but this can also be influenced by other factors like medications or underlying health conditions.
What happens during the procedure?
The BAL procedure involves inserting a thin tube through your throat into your lungs while you’re lightly sedated. Fluid is gently washed into your airways and then collected back. The collected fluid is then analyzed for cell types, including neutrophils, to help diagnose lung conditions.
How is the test performed?
The test involves microscopic examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to count the number of neutrophils. This is typically done by trained lab technicians who identify and count these cells under a microscope.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Neutrophils in BAL fluid are primarily used to assess the presence and severity of lung inflammation or infection. Elevated neutrophil counts often correlate with conditions like acute lung injury, severe infections, or certain types of lung fibrosis. This test can help guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting antibiotics or anti-inflammatory therapies.
Short name
Bronchial Neutrophil Cell Count
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal result mean?
How often is this test repeated?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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