Table 1.

Various factors causing variability with bronchoalveolar lavage sampling.

Serial No.	Factor causing variability with BAL sampling
1	The underlying disease
2	Extent of pressure applied while collecting BALf
3	Amount and nature of instillation used
4	Number of aliquots
5	Size of syringes used
6	Amount of “dwell” time of instillation before aspiration
7	Handling and storage of collected BALf