The Broncho Alveolar Lavage for Bacterial Culture/Sensitivity (Aerobic) Gram Stain Lab Test is a medical diagnostic test done on a sample of the fluid in the lungs. It is performed to determine the presence of certain bacteria causing various lung diseases.
It generally gives quick and accurate results which help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and initiate effective treatment.
Some infections are caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; these bacteria stain purple or pink, respectively, and can be viewed under a microscope.
A sample of the fluid from the lungs is taken, prepared, and observed under a microscope. The gram stain test helps determine the presence of bacteria, and their type and shape.
- What are the risks associated with this test?
There are no significant risks associated with this test, except for redness, pain, and irritation at the tested site. However, if you experience any severe reactions, please contact your doctor immediately.
- Does gram staining help make an accurate diagnosis?
Gram staining is a medical laboratory test; it is diagnostic and usually helps identify the infection-causing bacteria accurately. However, its use is only limited to bacteria that pick up the gram stain. All disease-causing bacteria do not show up with gram-staining.
- What is the Broncho alveolar Lavage test for?
The Broncho alveolar Lavage test is mostly done to check or confirm the presence of bacteria in the lungs. The test helps diagnose several mild and serious lung diseases and aids the doctor in initiating effective treatment.
- How is the Broncho alveolar Lavage test done?
A medical professional instills normal saline into the lungs; this is followed by suction and collection of the instilled fluid for analysis with a bronchoscope. The sample is then prepared and observed under a microscope.
- Is the Broncho alveolar Lavage test painful?
Before the procedure, a numbing medicine is administered into the patient’s mouth and throat which significantly lowers pain sensitivity and makes inserting the bronchoscope down the respiratory passage easier. However, during the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort.
Certain infectious bacteria may or may not be present; this is determined by the gram stain lab test. Once the bacteria are identified, appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Some infections are mild, whilst others are serious and can have dire consequences. Getting tested is necessary for ruling out the causes of any abnormalities, which may be resolved within a few hours or, in some serious cases, last for years and require life-long treatment.
Getting tested is essential for the following reasons:
- Helps you and your doctor diagnose various allergies, infections, auto-immune disorders, cancers, metabolic disorders, anemia, etc.
- Regular check-up
- Diagnose conditions before they progress and prove to be fatal
- Plan treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of given therapy