Bronchoalveolar Lavage Examination

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) examination is a diagnostic bronchoscopy procedure that is performed during a bronchoscopy. BAL is used to collect a sample from the lungs for testing and diagnosis of various lung disorders such as bacterial infection, fungal infection, and lung cancer.

Other Names

>>Bronchoalveolar washing

Why is Bronchoalveolar Lavage Examination Done?

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) examination is recommended for diagnosis as well as therapeutic purposes.

It is usually recommended for patients with symptoms such as Breathing problems, persistent cough, Coughing up blood, etc.

It is used for the diagnosis of

• Various types of infections such as bacterial pneumonia covid, tuberculosis, and fungal pneumonia.
• Sarcoidosis
• Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Pneumonia in patients who are on ventilators
• Ruling-out certain lungs related disorders such as eosinophilic lung diseases and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage.
• Pulmonary vasculitis
• Occupational lung diseases
• Environmental lung diseases
• Radiation-induced-pneumonitis in cancer patients

Preparation

>>Fasting for 6-8 hours

Sample Type Required

>>A fluid sample from lungs

What is the Procedure for Bronchoalveolar Lavage Examination?

To perform the procedure healthcare provider puts a small amount of saline through the bronchoscope to wash the airways and collect the fluid sample

Risk Factors

>>You may experience a sore throat, or infection after the procedure of BAL

Cost of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Examination

The cost of a Bronchoalveolar Lavage Examination near me in Delhi ranges from INR 500 to INR 2500