MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate

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Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Duodenum tissue smear

Alternative names Return to top

Duodenal aspirated fluid smear

Definition Return to top

Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate is an examination of fluid from the duodenum for a possible infection. Usually the health care practitioner is looking for either giardia or strongyloides.

How the test is performed Return to top

The specimen is obtained by EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), a flexible scope that is passed through the digestive tract to the duodenum for the purpose of viewing the organs and obtaining specimens.

The test may also be performed by passing a thin flexible tube into the small intestine. The position of the tube can be confirmed by the pH (acid-base balance) of the fluid or by an x-ray.

Fluid is aspirated from the duodenum when the tube or the scope is in proper position. The fluid is placed on a microscope slide and stained for examination.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

Withhold food and fluid for 12 hours before the test.

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

You may have a gagging sensation as the tube is passed, but it is usually not painful.

Why the test is performed Return to top

The test is performed to diagnose infection of the small bowel. In most cases, this test is only done when stool examinations and a duodenal string test have been unable to confirm the diagnosis.

Normal Values Return to top

Normally, the contents of the duodenum are sterile (no organisms are seen).

What abnormal results mean Return to top

The results may show the presence of giardia protozoa and large white blood cells (called macrophages), or the intestinal parasite strongyloides, or another infectious organism.

What the risks are Return to top

The risks may include bleeding, perforation (hole), and infection. Certain pre-existing conditions may prohibit use of this test.

Special considerations Return to top

Other, less invasive, tests can often be performed to detect the presence of giardia and other infections.

Update Date: 1/26/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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