What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a bronchoalveolar fluid sample to detect the presence of aerobic bacteria on the culture and their identification under a microscope to guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy. This test helps in finding the cause of lower-respiratory or lung infections.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed to detect the presence of bacteria that might be causing lower respiratory or lung infections. The other part of this test includes sensitivity testing, so guide proper antimicrobial therapy.
- 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.
- What are the risks of this test?
- Sore throat
- Bleeding in airway
- Infection
- Irritation
- Airway perforation
- Lung collapse
- What are the symptoms of a lung disease?
- Troubled breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- 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.
- What are the risk factors of lower respiratory lung infections?
- Air pollution
- Compromised immune system
- Crowding
- Undernutrition
- Passive smoking
- Premature birth.
Positive or negative
- Interpretation of test results:
Positive: Pathogenic organism detected and identified on culture. Gram staining of the culture will provide a description of the bacteria. The bacteria is further tested for sensitivity and the appropriate antibiotic is mentioned in the reports.
Negative: No growth on culture is seen. Pathogenic organisms are absent.