What does abnormal tracheal wash fluid generally contain?

Abnormal tracheal wash fluid typically contains a high percentage of neutrophils and macrophages. This is indicative of an inflammatory process in the respiratory tract, as these immune cells are usually recruited to sites of infection or irritation in response to pathogens, allergens, or other inflammatory stimuli. The presence of an increased number of neutrophils suggests an acute inflammatory response, often associated with bacterial infections, while macrophages may indicate a more chronic or ongoing response, often seen in cases of chronic lung diseases or infections.

In a healthy state, tracheal wash fluid would contain primarily epithelial cells, with few inflammatory cells. The significant presence of neutrophils and macrophages thus indicates that the trachea is likely experiencing an abnormal condition that requires further investigation or intervention.