Analysis of ferruginous bodies in bronchoalveolar lavage from foundry workers

R. F. Dodson, M. O'Sullivan, C. J. Corn, J. G.N. Garcia, J. M. Stocks, D. E. Griffith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Classical ferruginous bodies in tissue samples are considered to be markers of past exposure to asbestos. Recent studies have shown that the presence of ferruginous bodies in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid correlates with past exposure to asbestos and offers a more sensitive reference than occupational history. Lavage samples from five subjects who had worked in foundries were evaluated by light microscopy for the presence of ferruginous bodies and by transmission electron microscopy for both characterisation of the uncoated fibre burden and analysis of the cores of the ferruginous bodies. All samples at lower magnification (light microscopy (200x)) contained ferruginous bodies that were externally consistent with asbestos bodies. At higher magnification (400x), a separate population from this group could be identified by the presence of a thin black ribbon. Transmission electron microscopy of the core materials of ferruginous bodies and comparable uncoated particulates supported the reliability of higher magnification light microscopy for distinguishing most of those nonasbestos cores; however, a population of transparent non-asbestos cored ferruginous bodies were also shown to exist.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1032-1038
Number of pages7
JournalBritish Journal of Industrial Medicine
Volume50
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1993
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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