If it is not possible to determine whether the patient has tuberculosis or another disease by examining the sputum, a lung endoscopy (bronchoscopy) is necessary. During this procedure, mucus, fluid or small tissue samples are taken from the deeper airways and then examined in the laboratory.

You will be given medication during the bronchoscopy so that you are not aware of the examination. After the procedure, symptoms such as a sore throat, temporary hoarseness, coughing with small amounts of blood, nosebleeds or fever may occur, which usually subside quickly.

Bronchoscopy is usually performed as an inpatient procedure in hospital, but outpatient procedures are also possible. The attending physicians decide whether an outpatient procedure is possible and how long monitoring is necessary after the examination.