Small intestine aspirate and culture is a laboratory test to
check for infection in the small intestine. A sample of fluid
from the small intestine is needed. This requires a procedure
called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). For more information
on this procedure, see EGD. The fluid is placed in a special
dish in the laboratory and observed for growth of organisms.
This is called a culture. The laboratory culture test does not
involve the patient. For information on how the test to obtain
the sample feels, see the article on EGD. Your doctor may order
this test if you have signs of excessive bacterial growth in the
intestinal tract. This usually is not the first test that would
be done. Normally, small amounts of bacteria are present in the
small intestine and do not cause disease. However, the test may
be done when your doctor suspects that overgrowth of intestinal
bacteria is causing diarrhea. No disease-causing organisms
should be found under normal conditions. Normal value ranges may
vary slightly amo