Do you have any strategies to increase yield while doing a BAL?

The key is not to rush. Obtain good topical anesthesia around the bronchial segment selected for BAL to minimize coughing during the procedure and maintain a good seal. Administer lavage fluid slowly and gently, advancing the scope during infusion to "tighten" the seal. Have the therapist/nurse slow...

A few things that might work.

1. Ensure that your scope is appropriately wedged into a segment that is not collapsible.
2. If the segment appears collapsible, then attempt to gently over-wedge (atraumatically).
3. Before instilling aliquot of saline, ensure that your handlebar is in tension, either up or do...