Small bowel tissue biopsy 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 small intestine for the purpose of viewing the organs and obtaining specimens. A small piece of small intestine tissue is biopsied (removed). The specimen is placed on a microscope slide and stained and sectioned (sliced) for histological (tissue) examination.

How to prepare for the test:

The preparation is the same as for an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

How the test will feel:

The test will feel the same as for an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

Why the test is performed:

The test is performed to diagnose an 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.