DR. LALITHAA J,DR. SUDHA V,MR. N.P. MURALI
DOI: https://doi.org/Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) stands as a widely embraced investigative method for diagnosing pulmonary ailments. The examination of BAL cytology, cell counts, and culture yields significant insights into infectious, inflammatory, immunologic, and neoplastic conditions affecting the lungs. Conducted via bronchoscope, BAL proves to be a safe, well-tolerated, and minimally invasive procedure. This study evaluates the diagnostic utility of BAL in pulmonary diseases and its clinical management. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was performed on BAL specimens received at the Department of Pathology from October 2023 to December 2023. The study involved 40 samples, revealing tuberculosis, fungal infections, neutrophilic, lymphocytic, eosinophilic patterns, and instances of malignancy. The findings underscore BAL's pivotal role in diagnosing uncommon diffuse lung diseases and excluding infections in unexplained pulmonary infiltrates.
