Utility of Syringe Based Suction Versus Channel Suction in Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a common technique among pulmonologists. Its goal is to collect cells from alveolar units. This is done by wedging a flexible bronchoscope in a bronchus, instilling saline, and removing the saline via suction. Two techniques are currently used for suctioning: syringe based and channel suction. The investigators concern is that channel suction creates too much force and there is collapsing of the airways which results in decreased fluid removal as well as cell sampling. The investigators propose that syringe based suctioning will not only return more of the instilled fluid but also more cells from the alveoli.