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Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate
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| Definition: |
This is an examination of fluid from the duodenum for a possible infection. Usually the health care practitioner is looking for either Giardia or Strongyloides.
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| Alternative Names: |
Duodenal aspirated fluid smear
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| How the test is performed: |
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: |
Withhold food and fluid for 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 experiences, 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:
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| How the test will feel: |
| You may have a gagging sensation as the tube is passed, but it is usually not painful. |
| Why the test is performed: |
| 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: |
| Normally, the contents of the duodenum are sterile (no organisms are seen). |
| What abnormal results mean: |
| 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.
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| What the risks are: |
| The risks may include bleeding, perforation (hole), and infection. Certain pre-existing conditions may prohibit use of this test. |
| Special considerations: |
| Other less invasive tests can often be performed to detect the presence of Giardi, and other infections, or empiric treatment may be given. |
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Review Date: 1/13/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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