Beryllium by Lymphocyte Transformation, BAL (Sendout)

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General Information

Lab Name
Lab Code
297
External Test Id
BEBAL
Description

Useful For: Diagnosing beryllium sensitization using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The BeLPT is sensitive and specific for beryllium-related health effects. Exposure to beryllium can be toxic and lead to adverse health effects, including beryllium sensitization (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD). Individuals sensitized to beryllium are asymptomatic; however, BeS greatly increases the risk of developing CBD.

Ordering Requirements:

  • Collections must be pre-scheduled with DLMP Hematology due to special processing requirements. To arrange for testing, contact the appropriate Hematology laboratory location below based on collection site.
    • UW-Montlake Hematology: 206-598-6234
    • HMC Hematology: 206-744-3451
    • Test is not available at UW-NW. Arrange for collection at UW-MT or HMC.
  • Cell Count & Differential, BAL [BALCTG] should be ordered concurrently and results forwarded to NJH with the order.

Collection Note: Limited specimen stability. Samples must be collected Monday through Thursday only, processed by Hematology lab same-day, and received at NJH within 24 hours of collection. Failure to follow collection guidelines may result in test cancellations.

References
  1. Stange AW, Furman FJ, Hilmas DE. The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test: Relevant issues in beryllium health surveillance. Am J Ind Med. 2004 Nov;46(5):453-62. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20082. PMID: 15490468.
Forms & Requisitions
Synonyms
BEBAL, BeLPT, Beryllium Lymphocyte Proliferation Test, Beryllium Lymphocyte Stimulation, Lavage, LTT-Beryllium-BAL, Lymphocyte Transformation-Beryllium-BAL
Components

Interpretation

Method

Lymphocyte stimulation in cell culture

Reference Range
References
  1. Stange AW, Furman FJ, Hilmas DE. The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test: Relevant issues in beryllium health surveillance. Am J Ind Med. 2004 Nov;46(5):453-62. doi: 10.1002/ajim.20082. PMID: 15490468.

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
Collection

Collection Timing:

  • Specimen must be collected Monday - Thursday only between 10am - 12pm.
  • This test must be pre-scheduled with the Hematology Lab at UW-MT (206-598-6234) or HMC (206-744-3451) to ensure proper processing.

Specimen Requirements: Collect 240 mL BRONCHIAL WASH collected in a sterile container.

Post-Collection: Expedite transport to the laboratory. Specimen must be received in lab at UW or HMC by 12:30pm for processing and same-day shipment to the referral lab. Specimen must be received by referral lab (National Jewish) within 24 hours of collection.

Forms & Requisitions
Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Due to the limited sample stability and additional processing requirements for this test, outside laboratories should arrange for testing directly with National Jewish Health Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories.

Quantity
Requested: 240 mL BAL
Minimum: 20 mL BAL

Processing

Receiving Instructions

SPS: Deliver ambient unspun BAL sample to Hematology as soon as possible. Notify Sendouts staff of a sample requiring same-day shipment. Hematology will process and return the sample to Sendouts.

Login: SEND1-;RM TEMP

  • RSNDT1: NJH
  • RSTYP1: BAL
  • RTSRQ1: ;LTT for Beryllium (NJH Test BEBAL)

Hematology:

  • After cell count has been performed, centrifuge the lavage specimen (approximately 1200 rpm x 10 minutes).
  • Remove supernatant. Re-suspend cells in complete medium. This consists of: RPMI 1640 (or similar tissue culture medium) with gentamicin sulfate or pen/strep (0.5% by volume) and serum 10% by volume (can use pooled AB positive serum or patient's own serum).
  • Final concentration of cells in media should be approximately 5-10 million cells per mL. Place in a plastic centrifuge tube and seal.
  • Immediately deliver processed sample to UW-MT or HMC Sendouts for same-day shipment to NJH ADx Labs.

Sendouts:

  • Complete a NJH Beryllium requisition and order NJH Test: BEBAL.
  • Enclose a printed copy of BAL cell count and differential results with the sample.
  • Ship samples at ambient temperature the same day of collection using FedEx "First Overnight" priority. Samples must be received in the laboratory within 24 hours of collection.

Stability: Ambient (required): 30 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable.

Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens received more than 30 hours old, frozen specimens, specimens in lithium heparin, specimens in tubes with gel such as SSTs and PSTs.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Frequency
Performed: Monday - Saturday. Turnaround Time: 14 days from sample receipt.
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
Sendout National Jewish Health Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories
800-550-6227

1400 Jackson Street
Denver, CO 80206

Billing & Coding