Etymed
bronchoalveolar lavage
Definition
A medical procedure involving the washing out of the alveoli in the lungs through a bronchoscope
Clinical context
A 58-year-old man with suspected pneumonia develops hypoxemia despite high-flow oxygen therapy. A bronchoalveolar lavage is performed to obtain samples for culture and cytology, revealing numerous neutrophils and organisms. The procedure helps differentiate between infectious and non-infectious pulmonary causes. A 35-year-old woman with suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis undergoes bronchoalveolar lavage showing elevated lymphocytes, confirming the diagnosis.
Mnemonic
BAL = BronchoAlveolar Lavage - Think 'Breathe, Alveoli, Lavage' for lung washing procedure