Clinical Trial: Collection of Lung Fluid and Tissue Samples for Research

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational



Official Title: Research Respiratory Tract Procedures

Brief Summary:

This study will collect fluid and tissue specimens from the lungs and nose of healthy people and people with a history of lung infections. The specimens will be examined for differences between the two groups that may be associated with susceptibility to certain infections.

Healthy normal volunteers and people with a history of lung infections between 18 and 75 years of age who are followed at NIH may be eligible for this study.

Participants undergo the following procedures:

Medical history and physical examination.

Blood and urine tests.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest x-ray.

Treadmill exercise stress test (for people over 45 years old with a history of chest pain or ECG abnormalities).

Bronchoscopy: The subject s nose and throat are numbed with lidocaine and a sedative is given for comfort. A thin flexible tube called a bronchoscope is advanced through the nose or mouth into the lung airways to examine the airways carefully.

Fluid collection during the bronchoscopy using one of the following methods:

  • Bronchoalveolar lavage: Salt water is injected through the bronchoscope into the lung and immediately suctioned out, washing off cells lining the airways.
  • Bronchial brushings: A brush-tipped wire enclosed in a sheath is passed through the bronchoscope and a small area of the airway tissue is gently brushed. The brush is withdrawn with some tissue adhering to it.
  • Endobronchial bio