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Small intestinal aspirate and culture
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| Definition: |
A test to determine the presence of an infection in the small intestine.
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| How the test is performed: |
The specimen is obtained by EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), a flexible scope that is passed through the digestive tract to the small intestine for the purpose of viewing the organs and obtaining specimens. A small amount of fluid present in the small intestine can be withdrawn through the scope. The fluid is placed in culture media in the laboratory and observed for growth of organisms.
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| Why the test is performed: |
The test is performed to diagnose infections of the intestinal tract.
Normally, many types of organisms are present in the small intestine that do not cause disease. The test may also be performed in certain situations when normal intestinal bacteria is not desirable, such as in transplantation or other conditions that cause immunosuppression.
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| Normal Values: |
No disease causing organisms should be found under normal conditions.
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| What abnormal results mean: |
Abnormal results may indicated the presence of infection. When antibiotic therapy is prolonged, sometimes the normal intestinal organisms are not present.
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| Special considerations: |
Not applicable.
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Review Date: 1/13/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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