bronchial washing

bronchial washing

Etymology: Gk, bronchos, windpipe; ME, wasshen, to wash

irrigation of the bronchi and bronchioles performed during bronchoscopy to cleanse the tubes and to collect specimens for laboratory examination.

bronchial washing

A cytology specimen obtained after instilling 3–5 mL of isotonic saline through a bronchoscope. The resulting fluid (usually 1–2 mL), which contains cells, microorganisms or other material from the upper airways (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles), is aspirated into a trap; the material is then centrifuged to concentrate the cells, stained, and examined by light microscopy, or cultured if infection is suspected.

bronchial washing

A procedure in which isotonic saline is instilled through a bronchoscope and fluid containing cells, microorganisms, or other material from the upper airways–trachea, bronchi, bronchioles is aspirated into a trap; the material is then centrifuged to concentrate the cells, stained, and examined by microscopy, or cultured if infection is suspected. Cf Bronchial brushings.

bronchial washing

Irrigation of one or both bronchi to collect cells for cytologic study or to help cleanse the bronchi.