FIG. 2.

Inflation and fixation of the pediatric wedge lung biopsy. The midportion of the lung biopsy (∼50% volume) should be reserved for histologic examination. Inflation of the biopsy with formalin replicates in vivo expansion of the lung and is critical for assessment of alveolar growth and development in children. (A) Gentle inflation using a tuberculin syringe or other fine needle is recommended in order to minimize artifactual expansion of the interlobular septa and pleura. Once fully expanded, the lung biopsy is allowed to fix for 15–20 minutes before sectioning perpendicular to the surgical margin. (B) Each section should be triangular and includes both central parenchyma with small airways and peripheral parenchyma with pleura.