Gastric culture

Alternative names:

culture of gastric contents

How the test is performed:

A nasal gastric tube is placed through the nose into your stomach. You may be given a glass of water and asked to swallow while the tube is advanced. Once the tube is in the stomach, a syringe is used to withdraw a sample. The tube is then removed through the nose, and the sample is taken to the laboratory.

How to prepare for the test:

Plan to fast for 8 hours before the test. The sample is collected in the morning before you get out of bed.

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 experience, 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:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

It is uncomfortable when the tube is being passed through your nose and throat. You may feel a scratching sensation while the tube is present.

Why the test is performed:

This test may aid your health care provider in the diagnosis of Mycobacterium infections (tuberculosis). The test may also be used to determine the bacteria causing septicemia in your infant.