bronchoalveolar lavage

Bronchoalveolar lavage

A way of obtaining a sample of fluid from the airways by inserting a flexible tube through the windpipe. Used to diagnose the type of lung disease.

Mentioned in: Bronchoscopy, Idiopathic Infiltrative Lung Diseases

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bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL),

a diagnostic procedure in which small amounts of physiologic solution are injected through a fiberoptic bronchoscope into a specific area of the lung, while the rest of the lung is sequestered by an inflated balloon. The fluid is then aspirated and inspected for pathogens, malignant cells, and mineral bodies.

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lavage

1. irrigation or washing out of an organ or cavity, as of the stomach or intestine.

2. to wash out, or irrigate. See also wash.

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abdominal lavage

the infusion of saline into the peritoneal cavity, usually through a catheter inserted through the abdominal wall, for diagnostic purposes. The fluid returned may be examined for red blood cells, bacteria, enzymes, etc. Called also peritoneal lavage.

bronchoalveolar lavage

percutaneous entry of a catheter between tracheal rings, followed by infusion of a small volume of normal sterile saline which is then aspirated. The sample is submitted to microbiological and histopathological examination.

colonic lavage

irrigation of the colon, usually to remove ingested toxins.

gastric lavage

gastric lavage, or irrigation of the stomach, is usually done to remove ingested poisons. The solutions used for gastric lavage are physiological saline, 1% sodium bicarbonate, plain water or a specific antidote for the poison. A gastric tube is passed and then the irrigating fluid is funneled into the tube. It is allowed to flow into the stomach by gravity. The solution is removed by siphonage; when the funnel is lowered, the fluid flows out, bringing with it the contents of the stomach. Called also gavage.

ice water lavage

administration of ice water through a stomach tube is used in the treatment of acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. There is a risk of inducing hypothermia.

ruminal lavage

used in the treatment of carbohydrate engorgement. Serial gavages are performed until the fluid comes back clear. A 2.5 in (6 cm) diameter Kingman tube is necessary if any bulk of material is to be retrieved and a hose from a tap is the only practical irrigating mechanism.

subpalpebral lavage

a method of medicating the eye, particularly useful in treating corneal ulcerations in horses. Tubing is inserted from the conjunctival sac through the upper eyelid and extended onto the head or neck. Medication can then be delivered continuously in a drip.

thoracic lavage

irrigation of a pleural sac via a paracentesis cannula.

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bronchoalveolar lavage

Cytology A 'wash' of the upper respiratory tract to obtain cells for evaluating inflammation or cancer of lungs; BAL material is used for 1. Cytologic analysis 2. Analysis of CD4:CD8 ratio and, rarely 3. To obtain cells for gene rearrangement, ie Southern blot hybridization, to diagnose lymphoma