Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) Test
A bronchoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor look inside your airways to find the cause of a lung problem. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a part of this procedure that collects fluid from your lungs for testing.
What this test measures
Bronchoscopy checks for blockages, growths, or narrowing in the airways. BAL collects cells and bacteria from the lungs to test for infections or lung conditions.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bronchoscopy?
It is a procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube with a camera to view your airways.
What is bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)?
BAL is a procedure done during bronchoscopy that washes your airways with saline to collect a fluid sample for testing.
Why might I need a bronchoscopy?
It may be used to find and treat blockages, remove tumors, control bleeding, or help diagnose the cause of lung symptoms.
What can abnormal bronchoscopy results mean?
Abnormal results may indicate a blockage, growth, narrowing of airways, or lung damage from an immune disorder.
What can abnormal BAL results mean?
Abnormal BAL results may indicate lung cancer or infections such as tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, or fungal infection.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.