Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL): MedlinePlus Medical Test
What are bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)?
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that makes it possible for a health and fitness treatment service provider to look at your lungs. It uses a slender, lighted tube referred to as a bronchoscope. The tube is place by way of the mouth or nose and moved down the throat and into the airways. It assists diagnose and handle certain lung ailments.
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a procedure that is at times carried out for the duration of a bronchoscopy. It is also referred to as bronchoalveolar washing. BAL is utilized to obtain a sample from the lungs for tests. During the procedure, a saline alternative is place by way of the bronchoscope to wash the airways and seize a fluid sample.
Other names: versatile bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar washing