Culture of gastric tissue biopsy

Alternative names:

gastroscopy

How the test is performed:

You may be given a sedative (or narcotic) to relieve anxiety and discomfort before the test. A local anesthetic is sprayed into the mouth and throat area. Then a flexible fiberoptic tube is passed through the mouth and down the esophagus and enters the stomach. The tube may pass through to the duodenum if necessary. The tube allows the health care provider to see the various parts and take a biopsy (sample) and to suction off secretions. The sample is taken to the laboratory to be examined.

How to prepare for the test:

No food or fluid may be ingested for 6 to 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 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:

You may feel a gagging sensation as the tube is passed though. There may be cramping and a feeling of fullness if air is introduced to expand an area. You will probably have a sore throat after the procedure.

Why the test is performed:

The procedure is used to determine the cause of bleeding, and to diagnose tumors, ulcers, inflammatory disease, and structural abnormalities.