huuhtelunäytteitä

Huuhtelunäytteitä, often translated as lavage samples or washings, are biological samples collected through the process of washing out a cavity or organ within the body. This technique is primarily used for diagnostic purposes, allowing medical professionals to obtain cells, fluids, or other materials for examination. The most common application involves respiratory tract lavages, such as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), where sterile saline solution is introduced into the lungs and then withdrawn to collect cellular and fluid components. This can help diagnose infections, inflammatory conditions, or detect the presence of abnormal cells like those found in lung cancer. Other areas where lavage samples might be collected include the peritoneum (peritoneal lavage) to check for internal bleeding or infection, or the urinary tract. The collected fluid and cells are then typically sent to a laboratory for analysis, which may include microscopy, culture for microorganisms, or specialized molecular tests. The procedure is generally considered safe but carries some risks, similar to other invasive medical interventions.