MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Small bowel tissue biopsy smear

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Small bowel tissue biopsy smear

Contents of this page:
Illustrations 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

Small intestine tissue sample

Definition Return to top

Small bowel tissue biopsy smear is a laboratory test which examines tissue from the small intestine for the presence of microorganisms associated with certain intestinal infections.

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 small intestine to view the organs and obtain specimens.

A sample of small intestinal tissue is biopsied (removed). The specimen is placed on a microscope slide, stained, and sectioned (sliced) for histological (tissue) examination.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

The preparation is the same as for an EGD.

How the test will feel Return to top

The test will feel the same as for an EGD.

Why the test is performed Return to top

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

Normal Values Return to top

The small intestine contains certain bacteria and yeast which are considered normal intestinal flora. The presence of pathogenic bacteria or certain parasites is abnormal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

The presence of certain microorganisms, such as Giardia, Entamoeba, and others is abnormal.

What the risks are Return to top

The risks are the same as for an EGD with biopsy.

Special considerations Return to top

Examination of tissue by a pathologist is another valuable aid in the diagnosis of certain intestinal 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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.