Skip to main content

Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

  or
  or
  or

T-CELL SUBSETS, BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3121    Geisinger Epic ID:  37266

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1-3 mL of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated. Protect from extremes in temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Refrigerated: 72 hours.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded, poor viability, insufficient cells.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Reference ranges have been published by Yamada, M. etal., Sand, J. Immunol. 24:559-565, 1986. 
CD3 (BAL): 51.6-74.4 
CD4 (BAL): 32.5 - 58.3
CD8 (BAL): 19.8 - 30.8 
CD4/CD8 Ratio (BAL): 1.24 - 2.48


Additional information: 

None.


CPT code(s):  88184, 88185 x2
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

% Positive CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4:CD8 ratio in BAL fluids.


Methodology: 
Flow Cytometry
Synonyms: 

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Panel, BAL48R


Clinical significance: 

Significantly increased CD4 to CD8 ratio and BAL lymphocytosis have adjunctive value in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and when used with other clinical findings can aid in differentiating sarcoidosis from other institial lung diseases.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Kai Zhang M.D.
Review Date:  07/30/2026

Performing Locations