Comparison of quantitative bronchoscopic lavage cultures (B-BAL) with blind NG tube lavage (N-BAL) cultures in the diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP).

Objective: To compare quantitative Bronchoscopic Bronchoalveolar Lavage (B-BAL) cultures with blind nasogastric tube bronchoalveolar lavage (N-BAL) cultures in the diagnosis of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP).

Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study.

Place And Duration Of Study: The study was conducted in Medical ICU and Chest ICU at Liaquat National Hospital (LNH), Karachi, from January till August, 2007.