A duodenal tissue culture is a laboratory exam to check a piece of tissue from the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) for infection-causing organisms.

A piece of tissue from the first part of the small intestine is taken during an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

The sample is then sent to a lab, and placed in a special dish (culture media) that allows bacteria or viruses to grow. The sample is placed under a microscope and checked at regular time periods to see if there are any organisms present and if they are growing.

Any organisms that grow on the culture are identified.

This article discusses the culture test. For information on how to prepare for an upper endoscopy and biopsy procedure, see esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

A culture of duodenal tissue is done to check for bacteria that may lead to certain illnesses and conditions. For example, it can check for Helicobacter pylori, which may cause peptic ulcer disease.

No harmful bacteria are found.

An abnormal finding means that harmful bacteria has been found in the tissue sample. This may include Helicobacter pylori (especially if ulcers are present) and organisms that cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, such as:

• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Giardia
• Entamoeba