Gastric tissue biopsy and culture

Gastric tissue biopsy is the removal of stomach tissue for examination. A culture is a laboratory test that examines the tissue sample for bacteria and other organisms that can cause disease.

How is the Test Performed?

The tissue sample is removed during a procedure called upper endoscopy (or EGD). It is done with a small camera (flexible endoscope) that is inserted down the throat into the stomach.

The health care provider sends the tissue sample to a laboratory where it is examined for signs of cancer, certain infections, or other problems.

Preparation for the Test

Follow instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. You will likely be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.

How the Test will Feel

Your health care provider will tell you what to expect during the procedure.

Why is the Test Performed?

This test may be done to diagnose a stomach ulcer or the cause of other stomach symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the upper part of the belly
• Black stools
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material

A gastric tissue biopsy and culture can help detect:

• Cancer
• Infections, most commonly Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers

Normal Results for Gastric tissue biopsy and culture

A gastric tissue biopsy is normal if it does not show cancer, other damage to the lining of the stomach, or signs of organisms that cause infection.

A gastric tissue culture may be considered normal if it does not show certain bacteria. Stomach acids normally prevent too much bacteria from growing.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

• Gastric cancer
• Gastritis, when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen
• Helicobacter pylori infection

Gastric tissue biopsy and culture Risks

Your health care provider can discuss the risks of the upper endoscopy procedure with you.

References

Croft AC, Woods GL. Medical bacteriology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 57.

Kimmey MB. Complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 40.

Lee EL, Feldman M. Gastritis and gastropathies. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 51.