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Alternative Names Return to top
Culture - esophagealDefinition Return to top
Esophageal culture is a laboratory test that checks for infection-causing substances in a sample of tissue from esophagus.
How the Test is Performed Return to top
A sample of tissue from your esophagus is needed. For information on how this is done, see esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
The sample is sent to a lab, where it is placed on a special dish (culture media) and checked daily to see if any bacteria, fungus, or virus grows.
Other tests may be done to determine what medication can best treat the organism.
How to Prepare for the Test Return to top
There is no preparation needed for a culture. For information on how to prepare for the removal of a piece of esophageal tissue, see EGD.
How the Test Will Feel Return to top
The laboratory test is painless and does not involve the patient. For information on how the test to obtain the sample feels, see the article on EGD.
Why the Test is Performed Return to top
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of an esophageal infection or disease, or if an ongoing infection does not respond to treatment.
Normal Results Return to top
A normal result means that no microorganisms were seen on the laboratory dish.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top
Abnormal results are a sign of an infection of the esophagus. The infection may be due to a bacteria, virus, or fungus.
See also:
Risks Return to top
There are no risks related to the culture. For information on risks related to the EGD procedure, see EGD.
Considerations Return to top
Other procedures or tests may be done along with an esophageal culture.
Update Date: 12/3/2007 Updated by: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
