Biopsy samples collected from lung tissue can be sent to Pathology lab or microbiology lab depending on the required disease analysis.

Biopsy samples are sent to pathology lab for a pathological examination of the tissue for diagnosis of lung diseases, such as lung cancer. Lung biopsy results from the pathology lab are usually available within 2 to 4 days of submission.

Biopsy samples are sent to microbiology lab for detection of Microbial infection of the lungs. Biopsy results are available only after several weeks after submission of tissue samples that are to be tested for infections such as tuberculosis.

Normal values:

Normal pathology report for lung tissue reports absence of:

1. Disease condition (Pneumonia).

2. Cancerous abnormalities (lung cancer, mesothelioma).

Normal results from microbiology lab reports absence of any evidence of infection in the lungs.


Abnormal results:

1. Microbial infection of the lungs by bacteria, virus or fungal microorganisms.

2. Pneumonia.

3. Presence of cancerous cells in the  lungs.

4. Presence of Immunoglobulin deposits in the lung alveolar basement membranes due to immune  disorders.

5. Nodules in the lungs may be due to active infections such as tuberculosis, or may be scars from a previous infection.

The results obtained from the pathologist or microbiologist should be verified with the medical history, physical examination, sputum examinations and Chest X-ray of the patient before the final diagnosis of the disease condition.