We describe a research technique for fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage using low pressure suction. The technique is used to harvest immune cells from the lung bronchoalveolar surfaces. Local anesthetic and mild conscious sedation (midazolam) is used. Subjects tolerate the procedure well and experience minimal side effects.
Collins, A. M., Rylance, J., Wootton, D. G., Wright, A. D., Wright, A. K. A., Fullerton, D. G., Gordon, S. B. Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield. J. Vis. Exp. (85), e4345, doi:10.3791/4345 (2014).