Diagnostic Utility of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Patients Suspected to Have Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Literature Review

Patients who are suspected to have pulmonary tuberculosis but are unable to produce sputum spontaneously or have smear-negative sputum present a diagnostic challenge. Clinicians vary in their practice in proceeding with sputum induction or flexible bronchoscopy in this clinical scenario. This manuscript reviews and compares the evidence behind the diagnostic utilities of both of these modalities.
Source: Clinical Pulmonary Medicine - Category: Respiratory Medicine Tags: Respiratory Infections Source Type: research