Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is a diagnostic, research, and therapeutic substance obtained by performing a medical procedure called bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). BALF is a sterile fluid that is collected from the lower respiratory tract, specifically the bronchi and alveoli, through a bronchoscope.
BALF serves as a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers in understanding and managing various respiratory diseases. It provides a means to obtain and analyze cells, microorganisms, and other components present in the lower respiratory tract. The procedure involves flushing a small amount of sterile fluid, usually saline, into the lungs and then retrieving it, along with its contents, by suction. This method allows for the collection of cells, proteins, enzymes, immune molecules, microorganisms, and other substances present in the respiratory system.
Analysis of BALF provides important information about the cellular and biochemical makeup of the lower respiratory tract, aiding in the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and lung cancer. It can also help evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and monitor disease progression or regression. Through the examination of cells obtained from BALF, clinicians can identify abnormal cell types, assess inflammatory response, determine microbial infection, and evaluate immune system activity. Additionally, the measurement of various molecules and proteins in BALF can provide insights into the pathogenesis and progression of respiratory diseases.
