Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate is an examination of fluid from the duodenum, for a possible infection. Usually the health care practitioner is looking for either giardia or strongyloides.
Alternative Names:
Duodenal aspirated fluid smear
How the test is performed:
The specimen is obtained by EGD. The doctor passes a flexible scope through the mouth and stomach to the duodenum in order to view the organs and obtain specimens. The position of the tube can be confirmed by the pH (acid-base balance) of the fluid obtained, or by an x-ray.
Fluid is suctioned up 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:
Do not eat or drink anything, even water, for 12 hours before the test.
How the test will feel:
You may have a gagging sensation as the tube is passed, but it is usually not painful.
Review Date: 1/27/2008
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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