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Technique

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This section of the database outlines an example of how a bronchoalveolar lavage may be performed. However this section should not be used as an instructive manual for this procedure because of the requirement for expert training and supervision.

Using a flexible bronchoscope wedge the tip into a segmental or subsegmental bronchus. The right middle lobe is usually chosen by default.

40-60 ml of sterile phosphate buffered saline is introduced and aspirated by hand. The aspirate is stored on ice. The process is repeat 2-4 times.

One should aspirate 50-70% of the saline.

Estimation of cell populations requires about 60 ml of aspirate although microbiology and cytology require less volume.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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