Test Code KBAL Karius Focus, Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Sterile, leak-proof freezable container
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) specimen according to your institutional guidelines.
2. Within 12 hours of specimen collection, transfer at least 1.5 mL of BALF specimen to a sterile container and freeze.
3. See Karius Focus: BAL Specimen Collection and Preparation Process for complete instructions.
Additional Information:
1. Specimen cannot be shared with other tests.
2. Specimen trap collection containers (with suction catheters attached) will be rejected due to the high risk of leakage and contamination upon opening. Avoid use of these for BALF specimens.
3. If specimen transfer into an acceptable sterile container is necessary, perform specimen transfer in a biosafety cabinet. Place the container in a separate sealed plastic bag.
Useful For
Detection of microbial cell-free DNA from over 500 bacteria, fungi, parasites, and DNA viruses known to cause lung infections in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Testing Algorithm
For information regarding when to order the Karius Spectrum test or diagnostic algorithms, see Considerations for the Implementation of the Karius Spectrum and Karius Focus BAL Tests.
Method Name
Metagenomic Sequencing
Reporting Name
Karius Focus, BALSpecimen Type
Bronchoalveolar LavageSpecimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bronchoalveolar Lavage | Frozen | 180 days |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated by the processing and performing laboratories for test suitability.Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
3 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory
Karius LaboratoryTest Classification
The Karius Focus: BAL test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Karius. The Karius laboratory is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88) and is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) to perform high-complexity laboratory testing. This test has not been reviewed or cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
81479
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| KBAL | Karius Focus, BAL | Not Provided |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| KBAL | Karius Focus, BAL | Not Provided |