What is a bronchoscopy?
Your child’s doctor has suggested 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. During the procedure, your doctor may:
- Perform a lavage, which involves placing a small amount of fluid into the airways and then suctioning it back out to collect cells.
- Take a biopsy, which means removing a small amount of tissue from the airways or lungs. The collected samples are studied closely to help determine a diagnosis and the best treatment for your child.
Preparing for Your Child’s Bronchoscopy
For your child’s safety, it is very important to follow these eating and drinking instructions:
- No solid food for 8 hours before the procedure.
- Infant formula: stop 6 hours before.
- Breast milk: stop 4 hours before.
- Clear liquids may be given until 2 hours before the procedure. Examples include water, apple juice, and clear sports drinks.
- Stop all fluids 2 hours before the procedure.
- Review your child’s medicine with the doctor or nurse to determine which medicines are safe to take prior to the procedure.
If these instructions are not followed, the procedure may be cancelled for your child’s safety.
On Procedure Day
- Please arrive at least 1 hour before the scheduled bronchoscopy.
- Bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy to help comfort your child.
- A parent or legal guardian must stay at National Jewish Health during the procedure and recovery period to review discharge instructions and take your child home.
- Your child will not be allowed to go home alone.
- If your child wears oxygen at home, please bring a portable oxygen unit with you. Your child may need supplemental oxygen for a short time after the procedure. Occasionally, children may need to go home with oxygen.
What is done during the bronchoscopy?
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 child’s medical history. Vital signs will be monitored throughout your child’s stay in the procedural area. You will meet with the physician performing the bronchoscopy as well as the anesthesia provider before the procedure. Your child will receive medication through the IV to make them sleepy or fully asleep for the procedure. A temporary airway may be placed to help support breathing. 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. The doctor will examine the vocal cords and airways and may perform a lavage or biopsy. Your child will be monitored closely throughout the procedure.
Once the bronchoscopy is complete, your child will go to a recovery area and be monitored by a nurse until awake and stable. Your provider will decide when it is safe for your child 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 you child’s medical needs. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide the highest quality care to every patient.
Where do I go for the test?
If you are being seen at National Jewish Health, please check in at the front desk of the MIDC clinic on the day of your scheduled test. If you have questions before or during your test, call 303-398-1958.
Appointment changes
If you need to make changes to your appointment, please call 303-398-1355, option #4.
© National Jewish Health, rev 2026
