Health Encyclopedia

Bronchoscopic culture

Definition

Bronchoscopic culture is a test to identify organisms that cause infection in the lung.

Alternative Names

Culture - bronchoscopic

How the test is performed

You lie on a table or bed. A local numbing medicine (anesthetic) is sprayed into your throat. When the area is numb, a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope 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 numb 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 or suction device may be used to take a sample of cells from the surface. 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 bacteria or other infection-causing organisms. Treatment is based on the results of the culture.

How to prepare for the test

You may need to stay in the hospital for one day, or the procedure may be performed on an outpatient (same-day) basis.

You will not be able to eat or drink anything (even water) for 6-12 hours before the test. You must sign a consent form. Remove dentures or other mouth appliances before the test. You may be given a sedative.

How the test will feel

The anesthetic will make your mouth and throat feel thick as it numbs the area. The anesthetic will 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 done to find infection in the lung that cannot be accurately detected by a sputum culture. The procedure may find evidence of infection, such as:

Abnormal secretions
Abscesses
Inflammation

A bronchoscopy may also be performed for respiratory conditions other than infection, such as when cancer is suspected.

Normal Values

No organisms are seen on the culture.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal culture results usually indicate a respiratory infection. The infection may be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. The results of the culture will help determine the best treatment.

What the risks are

The risks of a bronchoscopic culture are the same as for a bronchoscopy procedure, and include:

Bleeding
Hole (perforation) of the bronchus or trachea
Infection
Pneumothorax

You must avoid coughing and clearing your throat after the procedure, because it might dislodge a clot at the site of a biopsy.

Review Date:11/12/2007
Reviewed By:Arnold L. Lentnek, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.