Which option correctly expands BAL?

Which option correctly expands BAL?

• A. Bronchoscopy
• B. Blood gas analysis
• C. Bronchoalveolar lavage
• D. Bronchoalveolar carcinoma

Answer: (C)

BAL stands for bronchoalveolar lavage. This procedure uses a bronchoscope to reach the smaller airways and alveolar spaces, instilling sterile saline and then retrieving it for analysis. The name breaks down as broncho- (airways) + alveolar (alveoli) + lavage (washing). The option that describes visualizing the airways is a separate procedure, bronchoscopy, not the acronym BAL. Blood gas analysis is a different test (ABG), and bronchoalveolar carcinoma is an outdated cancer term. BAL is specifically used to sample cells and fluids from the alveolar space for diagnostic testing.

BAL stands for bronchoalveolar lavage. This procedure uses a bronchoscope to reach the smaller airways and alveolar spaces, instilling sterile saline and then retrieving it for analysis. The name breaks down as broncho- (airways) + alveolar (alveoli) + lavage (washing). The option that describes visualizing the airways is a separate procedure, bronchoscopy, not the acronym BAL. Blood gas analysis is a different test (ABG), and bronchoalveolar carcinoma is an outdated cancer term. BAL is specifically used to sample cells and fluids from the alveolar space for diagnostic testing.