Bronchoscopic culture
Alternative names:
culture - bronchoscopic
How the test is performed:
You are positioned on a table or bed lying on your back. A local anesthetic is sprayed into your throat. When the area is numb, a bronchoscope (a thin, flexible fiberoptic tube) is passed through your nose or mouth and down your throat. As the tube is inserted, a local anesthetic is put down the tube to anesthetize the deeper tissues. When the bronchoscope is in place, biopsy forceps (a small scissors-like apparatus) may be inserted down the tube to take a biopsy; a bronchial brush may be used to take a sample of cells from the surface; or a suction device may be used to take a sample. The bronchoscope is then removed.
The specimen is sent to the laboratory and placed in culture media. It is examined daily for the presence of microorganisms. If organisms are present, they are classified according to their type. Treatment of infection is based on the results of the culture.
How to prepare for the test:
A 1-day stay in the hospital may be necessary, or the procedure may be performed as an outpatient (same-day) procedure. Food and fluids are restricted for 6 to 12 hours before the test. You must sign a consent form. Remove your dentures just before the test. You may be given a sedative and/or amnesiac (medication that makes it so you will not remember the test) before the test.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
The anesthetic will make your mouth and throat feel thick as it numbs the areas. The anesthetic will be used to numb your throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchial tubes, and lungs. It will also stop the gagging sensation, but the insertion of the tube may be unpleasant. You may have a sore throat after the procedure.
Why the test is performed:
A bronchoscopic culture is performed to detect and identify infection within the lung that cannot be accurately detected by a sputum culture. Evidence of infection such as abscesses, inflammation, or abnormal secretions may be observed during the procedure.
A bronchoscopy may also be performed for respiratory conditions other than infection, such as when cancer is suspected.
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