Bronchial wash fluid is collected by instilling sterile saline into the bronchi and aspirating it back during bronchoscopy.

The sample is cultured to identify bacteria, fungi, or mycobacteria causing infection.

Sensitivity testing determines which antibiotics or antifungal agents are effective against the isolated organisms.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, bronchitis).

Detecting tuberculosis and atypical mycobacterial infections.

Identifying fungal lung infections.

Guiding targeted antimicrobial therapy.

Often performed in patients with persistent cough, fever, abnormal chest imaging, or immunocompromised states.

Analyte: Microorganisms present in bronchial wash fluid.

Normal Result: No pathogenic organisms isolated.

Abnormal Findings:

Positive culture: Presence of bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas), fungi (Candida, Aspergillus), or mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

Sensitivity profile: Indicates effective antibiotics/antifungals for treatment.

Clinical Use:

Provides a definitive diagnosis of respiratory infections.

Helps guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Supports pulmonology, infectious disease, and critical care management.