Bronchoalveolar lavage in pediatric patients: are we doing it right?

Abstract

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is an essential tool for characterizing pediatric pulmonary diseases, but its diagnostic yield is often hampered by technical collection errors and challenges in interpreting results, particularly with the rise of non-culture-based microbiological techniques. Based on a scoped literature review and expert experience, this paper aims to standardize proper BAL technique, detail common procedural mistakes, and establish an updated interpretative framework for pediatric pulmonologists. Understanding these procedural and diagnostic pitfalls is crucial to maximizing the diagnostic utility of BAL and minimizing errors in the management of pediatric lung disease. It is recommended that the subject be taught using a combination of didactic and practical sessions.