Bronchial washing for Analysis.

• Overview:

What is this test?

This laboratory test is performed on a bronchoalveolar fluid sample for detecting any lower respiratory airway and lung disorders.

Why is this test performed?

This test is performed:

1. To diagnose infections of the lower respiratory airways such as bacterial infections and fungal infections
2. To help in the diagnosis of lung cancer
3. To help in the diagnosis of infections in immunocompromised patients
4. To help in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases
5. To help in the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome
6. To help in preparing a treatment plan for the patient.

• Your doctor will ask you to change into a hospital gown and sit on a hospital bed or chair with your head raised
• A trained professional will insert a bronchoscope down your throat after numbing your mouth and throat
• A small amount of saline is introduced into the airways carefully. After washing the airway, the fluid is sucked out of the body
• This fluid sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

1. How to prepare for this test?

Your doctor might request you to avoid food and drinks for a certain time before the test. Inform your doctor about your complete medical history especially about medicines, bleeding disorders, and allergies.

2. What are the risks of this test?

• Sore throat
• Bleeding in airway
• Infection
• Irritation
• Airway perforation
• Lung collapse

3. What are the symptoms of a lung disease?

• Troubled breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue

4. How will this test feel?

Since your mouth and throat will be under the influence of a numbing medicine, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. However, you might feel pressure or irritation from the bronchoscopy. After the procedure, you may have sore throat and cough for a few days.

5. What are the risk factors of lower respiratory lung infections?

• Air pollution
• Compromised immune system
• Crowding
• Undernutrition
• Passive smoking
• Premature birth.

Normal or abnormal

• Interpretation of test results:

Causes of abnormal test results:

1. Tuberculosis
2. Pneumonia
3. Covid-19
4. Fungal infection
5. Lung cancer
6. Interstitial lung disease
7. Acute respiratory distress syndrome.

You should get tested:

1. If you have symptoms of a lung disease
2. If your doctor suspects a lung infection
3. If you are at an increased risk of lung infection
4. To monitor the efficacy of treatment.