1. Position the tip of the bronchoscope close to the segmental area corresponding to radiographic infiltrates. |
2. Instil 3 aliquots of 50 mL or 5 aliquots of 30 mL saline. |
3. After the injection of each aliquot, gently aspirate through the suction channel. |
4. Keep the first aliquot for separate analysis. |
5. Pool the remaining aliquots in a sterile container and submit them to the laboratory for microscopy and microbiologic analysis. |