Bronchoalveolar Lavage 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 takes tissue samples. Saline is injected through the bronchoscope into the lung and then suctioned back out to check the wash-return fluid.
The Bronchoalveolar Lavage for Gram Stain Lab Test is a clinical test that checks for irregularities in the lungs indicating any lung disease or breathing disorders. The timely detection allows for early control and effective management of any abnormality that may be present.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage 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 takes tissue samples. Saline is injected through the bronchoscope into the lung and then suctioned back out to check the wash-return fluid.
The sample may be used for further testing.
- 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.
- What are the risks associated with this 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
- Is the bronchial washing procedure painful?
Most patients who have undergone this procedure consider it to be fairly tolerable in terms of pain and discomfort. However, you may experience mild pain during the procedure that gradually alleviates.
- 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 this test dangerous?
There are significant side effects associated with bronchoalveolar lavage; however, you may experience mild breathing difficulty temporarily after the procedure, or bleeding if a biopsy is done.
Please let your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects persistently.
- How do I know I have a breathing disorder?
You may have a breathing disorder if you experience one or all of the following:
- breathlessness after little movement
- breathing difficulty while laying down
- weakness
- inability to do any strenuous exercise
- What is the Broncho alveolar Lavage test for?
The Bronchoalveolar Lavage test is mostly done to check for irregularities in the lungs indicating any lung disease or breathing disorders. The timely detection allows for early control and effective management of any abnormality that may be present.
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
Some abnormalities are mild whilst others are serious and can have dire consequences. Getting tested is essential for the following reasons:
- 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
- Diagnose conditions before they progress and prove to be fatal
- Plan treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of given therapy