BAL Cytology Service
When you have your sample read at the Tufts Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cytology Service, not only do you get a cytological diagnosis, but you also have access to clinical advice. If you need detailed advice on doing a BAL in the field, please download the BAL powerpoint.
If you are comfortable performing a BAL, but haven’t made your own slides before, it’s quite easy – follow these detailed instructions.
After you have aspirated the BAL fluid, make sure that there is detectable foam on the top, which will let you know that you have indeed obtained a nice sample of lung fluid. Gently agitate the fluid by gently rocking the container or syringe back and forth five to ten times, making sure that the fluid is well-mixed.
Download and Complete the Submission Form
Download the BAL Submission form to mail with your sample.
Send Us the Following by Overnight Mail
- Two purple tops and two red tops of fluid on ice. Identify each tube with:
- Horse's name, breed, and sex
- Owner's name
- Date sample was taken
- Completed BAL Submission form.
Mail Samples and Form
Tufts Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cytology Service – Mazan Lab
Hospital for Large Animals
Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
ATTN: Dr. Melissa Mazan
53 Willard Street
North Grafton, MA 01536
Call to Let Us Know That a Sample is Coming
We are happy to read your slides, but please also remember to send us fluid as an added precaution. If you are in the area, please call our front desk reception 508-839-7926 to let us know that you will be dropping off the fluid.