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Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate

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Duodenum tissue smear

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Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate

Definition:

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.

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 mouth and stomach to the duodenum in order to view the organs and obtain 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 (suctioned up) 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:

Do not eat or drink anything, even water, for 12 hours before the test.

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.

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