Requests will be accepted on BAL specimens.

Requests will be accepted on either induced or expectorated sputa and BAL from HIV positive or suspected HIV positive patients. Requests from bone marrow transplant, solid organ transplant and hematology patients will be accepted on induced sputa and BAL only. Requests from any other patients must be reviewed by the Director of Microbiology or Pathology Resident.

Specimens must be acceptable using the same criteria as for sputum culture (< 10 squamous epithelial cells/ LPF).  On patients with HIV/ AIDS, the first specimen will be accepted regardless of the number of squamous epithelial cells seen on Gram stain.