Bronchoscopy Testing for Adults

What is a bronchoscopy?
How do you get ready for the test?
What is done during the bronchoscopy?
How long will the test take?

What is a Bronchoscopy?

Your doctor has suggested you have a bronchoscopy as part of the evaluation at National Jewish Health. A bronchoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the lungs and sample the airways.

Preparing for Your Bronchoscopy

• Stop eating all food for 8 hours before your procedure. You may still sip clear liquids only until 4 hours before your procedure. Clear liquids include: water, black coffee (no cream or sugar), plain tea (no milk or sweeteners), clear juices without pulp (such as apple juice), and clear sports drinks. Stop drinking fluids of any kind 4 hours before your procedure. If you do not follow these instructions, your procedure will be cancelled for your safety.
• Notify your doctor if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, Pradaxa, etc., as you may need to hold these medications before the procedure.
• Notify your doctor if you take any oral medicines or insulin for diabetes.
• Notify your doctor if you take any diabetes or weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Trulicity, etc., as you may need to hold these medications up to a week before the procedure.

On Procedure Day

• A responsible adult must wait for you at National Jewish Health during your procedure and take you back to your residence after you are discharged.  They must be readily available for the recovery period to review discharge instructions.  You will not be able to drive yourself or take a taxi/public transportation. If you do not have someone with you to drive you home, your procedure will be cancelled.
• Check in at the Front Desk, and they will direct you from there. If you have questions, or if you would like to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 303-398-1355, option #4.
• Do not take the medicines your doctor has asked you to hold.
• Heart, blood pressure, or seizure medication may be taken as prescribed with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before your procedure.
• Do not wear jewelry.
• If you use oxygen at home, even if only at night or while active, please bring a portable oxygen unit with you. You may need to use supplemental oxygen for a while after the procedure. Occasionally, patients need to go home with supplemental oxygen after their procedure. In such cases, there may be an additional out-of-pocket expense.
• You should not work, drive, or make any important decisions for the rest of the day.
• We suggest that someone stays with you overnight.

What is Done during the Procedure?

When you arrive in the procedural area, the healthcare team will explain what will be done before, during, and after the bronchoscopy. If you have any questions, please ask. A nurse will start an IV and review your medical history with you. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout your stay in the procedural area.  You will meet with the physician performing your bronchoscopy as well as the anesthesia provider prior to being transported to the procedure room. The anesthesia provider will give you medication through your IV to keep you comfortable and asleep, and a temporary airway will be placed to help support normal breathing during the procedure. During the bronchoscopy a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end, called a bronchoscope, will be placed through the mouth and into the lungs. Your doctor can see what the vocal cords and the airways in the lungs look like. Your doctor may do a lavage, which involves putting a small amount of fluid into the airways. The fluid is then pulled out. Your doctor also might remove a small amount of tissue (biopsy) from your lungs. The collected samples will be studied closely to help determine your diagnosis and the best treatment for you. You will be monitored closely during the procedure.
Once the bronchoscopy is complete, you will go to a recovery room and be monitored by a nurse until you are awake, and your doctor determines when you are able to go home. Your nurse will review your procedure report and discharge instructions with you and send you home with a copy of each.
 

How Long will the Bronchoscopy Take?

The average time at the facility from check-in to discharge is typically 2 to 3 hours. This timeframe includes pre-procedure preparation, procedure, and post-procedure recovery. Your visit may take longer depending on the complexity of your medical needs and the overall patient volume at the time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide the highest quality care to every patient.

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