Overview
Bronchial washing is a part of a procedure known as bronchoscopy. During this procedure, a doctor looks into the lungs with a fiber-optic bronchoscope to check for irregularities and take tissue samples. Saline is injected through the bronchoscope into the lung and then suctions it back out to check the wash return fluid.
- How is the test performed?
Bronchoscopy is usually done in a procedure room in a clinic or in a hospital operating room. The entire procedure, including prep and recovery time, typically takes about four hours. Bronchoscopy itself usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Is there any risk associated with the test?
Bronchoscopy is safe for most people. However, like all medical procedures, there are some risks involved. Risks may include:
- bleeding, especially if a biopsy is done
- infection
- trouble breathing
- low blood oxygen level during the test
Contact your doctor if you:
- have a fever
- are coughing up blood
- have trouble breathing
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
During the procedure of bronchial washing, cells are taken from the inside of the airways that lead to the lungs. A thin, tube-like instrument known as a bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
Normal results of a bronchoscopy mean that the doctor did not see any foreign materials, blockages, or unusual cells or fluids in the bronchi.
If the results are abnormal, the doctor will recommend further tests or treatments, depending on the outcome.
Abnormal results can indicate one or more of the following issues:
- bacterial infection
- viral infection
- fungi or parasites
- inflammation of lung tissue
- lung damage
- cancer
- narrowing of the trachea or bronchi
- rejection of a transplanted lung
WHY GET TESTED?
Bronchial washing is usually done to find the cause of a lung problem. Bronchial washing is referred to if a patient is suffering from a persistent cough or after an abnormal chest X-ray.
Reasons for doing bronchial wash include:
- Diagnosis of a lung problem
- Identification of a lung infection
- Biopsy of tissue from the lung
- Removal of mucus, a foreign body, or other obstruction in the airways or lungs, such as a tumor
- Placement of a small tube to hold open an airway
