Culture of gastric tissue biopsy

How the Test is Performed:
You may be given a sedative (or narcotic) to relieve anxiety and discomfort before the test. A local anesthetic is sprayed into the mouth and throat area. Then a flexible fiberoptic tube is passed through the mouth and down the esophagus and enters the stomach. The tube may pass through to the duodenum if necessary. The tube allows the health care provider to see the various parts and take a biopsy (sample) and to suction off secretions. The sample is taken to the laboratory to be examined.

How to Prepare:
No food or fluid may be ingested for 6 to 12 hours before the test.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:



How it Feels:
You may feel a gagging sensation as the tube is passed though. There may be cramping and a feeling of fullness if air is introduced to expand an area. You will probably have a sore throat after the procedure.

Risks:
There is a slight risk of perforation (hole). There may be some bleeding .

Why this Test is Performed:
The procedure is used to determine the cause of bleeding , and to diagnose tumors, ulcers , inflammatory disease, and structural abnormalities.

Normal Values:
No presence of abnormalities is normal.

Abnormal Results:
The biopsy can detect cancer , ulcers , and other abnormalities. Abnormal culture shows the growth of microorganisms.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:



Cost:
The estimated cost is $350.

Special Considerations:
Not applicable.