Reference Ranges for Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Smoker Without Chronic Bronchitis

Non-Smoker

Bronchial

Alveolar

Bronchial

Alveolar

Total Cells (millions)

3.6 + 0.6

104.3 + 9.4

4.1 + 0.6

28.0 + 3.5

Macrophages (%)

56 + 4

89 + 2

63 + 3

79 + 3

Neutrophils (%)

21 + 3

6 + 1

10 + 1

3 + 1

Eosinophils (%)

< 1

< 1

< 1

< 1

Lymphocytes (%)

< 1

2 + 1

3 + 1

13 + 2

Ciliated cells (%)

17 + 3

2 + 1

19 + 2

4 + 1

Squamous cells (%)

5 + 3

1

5 + 3

< 1

Note: Cell counts determined in cytocentrifuge preparation of fractionated BAL fluid.  Values are means + SEM.