Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a medical procedure used to collect samples from the lungs. During the procedure, a doctor inserts a thin tube into the airways and flushes a small amount of saline (saltwater solution) into a specific area of the lungs. This fluid collects cells, bacteria, and other substances, which can then be analyzed in a lab. BAL helps diagnose lung diseases, infections, and conditions like pneumonia or cancer, providing valuable information about lung health. It is generally safe and done under local anesthesia or sedation in a hospital setting.