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Test ID NBLD0734 Karius Focus, Bronchoalveolar Lavage

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

Specimen Type

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.


Specimen 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.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

3 to 5 days

Method Name

Metagenomic Sequencing

Reporting Name

Karius Focus, BAL

Performing Laboratory

Karius Laboratory

Secondary ID

623286

CPT Code Information

87999

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.

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Test 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.