Sample collection and processing
A research BAL was performed for all lungs by wedging an adult bronchoscope in a subsegmental bronchus of the right or left lower lobe [17]. Saline (40 ml) was instilled through the suction channel followed by gentle aspiration and sample collection prior to commencing ventilation at the beginning of EVLP. This process was repeated in the same lobe but in a different subsegmental bronchus before disconnecting the ventilation at the end of perfusion. In addition, hourly perfusate samples of 2.5 ml were collected until the assessment was stopped.