Bronchoscopic smear is a medical term used to refer to a diagnostic procedure that involves obtaining cells from the respiratory tract for microscopic examination. The correct pronunciation of this term is [brɒŋˌkɒskɒpɪk smɪər], with the stress on the second syllable of "bronchoscopic" and the first syllable of "smear." The word "bronchoscopic" is derived from the Greek words "bronchos" (windpipe) and "skopein" (to look at), while "smear" refers to the technique used to collect cells from the respiratory tract. Getting the spelling and pronunciation right is crucial to ensure effective communication between healthcare professionals.
Bronchoscopic smear refers to a diagnostic procedure performed during a bronchoscopy, which is an endoscopic examination of the airways in order to evaluate and diagnose various respiratory conditions. The procedure involves collecting a sample of cells and mucus from the inner lining of the bronchial tubes for further analysis.
The collected sample, known as a bronchoscopic smear, is obtained using a specialized brush or cytology brush, which is inserted through the bronchoscope and gently scraped against the bronchial walls to collect the cells. This technique allows healthcare professionals to obtain a representative sample of the bronchial tissue and secretions for microscopic examination.
The bronchoscopic smear is then transferred onto a glass slide, which is often stained and treated with different chemicals to enhance visibility under a microscope. This enables pathologists and other medical professionals to analyze the cellular composition and identify any abnormal or diseased cells, such as cancerous cells, inflammatory cells, or infectious agents.
Bronchoscopic smears are commonly employed in the evaluation and diagnosis of various respiratory conditions, including lung cancer, infections (such as tuberculosis or fungal infections), inflammatory conditions (like asthma or bronchitis), and other pulmonary diseases. The results of the smear analysis help guide treatment decisions and ensure appropriate management of the patient's respiratory health.
The word "bronchoscopic" is derived from the combination of "bronchoscopy" and the suffix "-ic". "Bronchoscopy" originates from the Greek words "bronchos" (windpipe or bronchus) and "skopein" (to examine), which collectively mean "to examine the bronchial tubes". The word "smear" is derived from the Old English word "smyrian" meaning "to anoint or rub on". In the context of medical examinations, a "smear" refers to a sample of cells or tissue taken for microscopic examination. Thus, the term "bronchoscopic smear" refers to a sample obtained from the bronchial tubes through bronchoscopy for further diagnostic analysis.