Smear of duodenal aspirated fluid

Alternative names:

duodenal aspirated fluid smear

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 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 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 or parasitic infestation of the small bowel. In most cases, this test is only done when stool examinations and duodenal string test have been unable to confirm the diagnosis.