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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
Published on: March 25, 2014
The role of bronchoalveolar lavage in the immunocompromised host
David Feller-Kopman1, Armin Ernst
1Interventional Pulmonology, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Abstract:
Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a frequently performed, minimally invasive endoscopic examination in patients with unclear infiltrates or pulmonary infections. It can be performed safely in patients with compromised immune systems of different etiologies. This article summarizes the experience with and efficacy of BAL in different disease states in this clinical circumstance. Because human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related diseases and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients show different characteristics when compared with patients with other reasons for immunosuppression, they are discussed separately. Clinical algorithms are presented.
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