[Technic and method of broncho-alveolar lavage in interstitial lung diseases]

The methodology and techniques of bronchoalveolar lavage in obtaining and processing cells and fluids in interstitial lung diseases are reviewed. The effects of the following variables on the results of lavage processing are critically discussed: lavage location, lavage volume, mode of aspiration, filtration through cotton gauze, washing procedures, quantification of differential cell count by cytocentrifuge or millipore filters, and internal or external markers for dilution of non-cellular components.