Bronchoalveolar lavage

Definition

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a procedure that involves washing out the bronchi and alveoli with fluid to collect samples for analysis. It is used to diagnose infections, inflammatory conditions, and certain types of cancer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. BAL is commonly performed during bronchoscopy using saline solution.
2. It helps in diagnosing respiratory diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain fungal infections.
3. The fluid collected from BAL contains cells and other components that can be analyzed microbiologically and cytologically.
4. BAL can aid in identifying hypersensitivity pneumonitis by detecting immune cells such as lymphocytes in the lavage fluid.
5. This procedure is generally safe but can cause transient fever or mild bleeding.

Review Questions

• What types of diseases can be diagnosed using bronchoalveolar lavage?
• Which immune cells are often identified in BAL fluid when diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
• What complications may arise from a bronchoalveolar lavage procedure?

Related terms

Bronchoscopy: A medical procedure that allows doctors to view the airways using a flexible tube called a bronchoscope.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: An inflammation of the lungs caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts.

Cytology: The study of cells, their origin, structure, function, and pathology.