Duodenal tissue culture
A duodenal tissue biopsy is performed by inserting a special tube through the nose or mouth down into the duodenum. When the tube is in place, it suctions out some of the fluid located in the duodenum. When the procedure is over the tube is removed. The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing. The test is performed to see if a bacterial infection is present or if there are any other microoganisms present that could be causing infection.
Update Date: 9/3/2008 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.