Abnormal type or counts of nucleated immune cells and acellular components in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. BAL us performed with a fiberoptic bronchoscope in the wedged position within a selected bronchopulmonary segment. BAL is commonly used to inform the differential diagnosis of interstitial lung disease or to monitor therapeutic interventions.
Comment:
Red blood cells in the BAL fluid are noted (e.g. present in pulmonary hemorrhage syndromes), but not counted, Similarly epithelial cells are only noted, not included numerically into cell differential.