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Bronchoalveolar Lavage BAL for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
Published on: March 24, 2014
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Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for research; obtaining adequate sample yield
Andrea M Collins1, Jamie Rylance2, Daniel G Wootton3
1Biomedical Research Centre in Microbial Diseases, National Institute for Health Research; Respiratory Infection Group, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust; andrea.collins@liverpool.ac.uk.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|April 2, 2014
Summary
This study details a gentle fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) technique using manual suction. It preserves lung cell viability for research, ensuring accurate sampling of immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Cell Biology
- Medical Research Techniques
Background:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is crucial for sampling lung immune responses in research settings.
- Existing BAL techniques may cause cell damage, affecting ex vivo culture and analysis.
- Standardization of BAL procedures is essential for reliable research outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a modified fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) technique.
- To optimize BAL for preserving cell viability and structure for research purposes.
- To ensure safe and effective sample collection for studying lung immunity.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes fiberoptic bronchoscopy with gentle, manual hand-held suction.
- Employs a larger instillate volume (approx. 200 ml) to maximize fluid return.
- Incorporates local anesthesia, optional conscious sedation, and strict safety protocols.
Main Results:
- The technique minimizes shear force on ciliated epithelia, preserving cell structure and function.
- Enhanced cell viability in BAL fluid facilitates ex vivo cell culture.
- Procedure is well-tolerated by subjects with minimal side effects.
Conclusions:
- This manual suction BAL technique is effective for obtaining high-quality lung cell samples for research.
- The method supports the study of innate and adaptive immune responses within the lung.
- It offers a safe, reproducible, and well-tolerated approach for bronchopulmonary research.
