Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate is an examination of fluid taken from the duodenum to check for signs of a possible infection (such as giardia or strongyloides).
For information on how the sample is taken, see: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Do not eat or drink anything, even water, for 12 hours before the test.
You may have a gagging sensation as the tube is passed, but the procedure is usually not painful.
The test is done to diagnose infection of the small bowel, but it is only rarely necessary. In most cases, this test is only done when a diagnosis could not be made with a stool examination or other tests.
There should be no disease-causing organisms in the duodenum. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The results may show the presence of giardia protozoa, the intestinal parasite strongyloides, or another infectious organism.
The risks include bleeding, perforation of (poking a hole in) the gastrointestinal tract by the scope, and infection. Certain pre-existing conditions may prohibit use of this test.
Other, less invasive, tests can often detect the presence of giardia and other infections.
Duodenal aspirated fluid smear
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Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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