Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
Published on: March 24, 2014
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in newly diagnosed patients with collagen vascular diseases
P N Chhajed1, K P Doshi, A U Athavale
1Department of Respiratory Diseases, L.T.M.G. Hospital, Mumbai.
Abstract:
Collagen vascular diseases (CVD) are commonly associated with interstitial lung diseases. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid analysis has important diagnostic value when considered in conjunction with other information. The present study was undertaken in newly diagnosed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at presentation to characterise BAL cellular constituents and elucidate the cellular picture in patients with and without pulmonary symptoms and in those with and without radiological (high resolution computed tomography) features of interstitial lung disease. All the patients were non-smokers and had not received any form of treatment for their diseases. The means of percentages of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages were 23.3%, 6.2%, 70.5% respectively. There was a significant BAL lymphocyte predominance in patients with pulmonary symptoms, and a lymphocyte and neutrophil predominance in those having radiological evidence of interstitial lung disease.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

