Smear of duodenal fluid aspirateDefinition: 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 (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), a flexible scope that is passed through the�mouth and stomach to the duodenum in order to view the organs and obtain specimens. The test may also be performed by passing a thin flexible tube into the small intestine. The position of the tube can be confirmed by the pH (acid-base balance) of the fluid or by an x-ray. Fluid is aspirated (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.
Why the test is performed: The test is performed to diagnose infection of the small bowel. In most cases, this test is only done when stool examinations and a duodenal string test have been unable to confirm the diagnosis.
Normal Values: There should be�no disease-causing organisms�in the duodenum.
What abnormal results mean: The results may show the presence of giardia protozoa and large white blood cells (called macrophages), or the intestinal parasite strongyloides, or another infectious organism.
What the risks are: The risks may include bleeding, perforation (hole), and infection. Certain pre-existing conditions may prohibit use of this test.
Special considerations: Other, less invasive, tests can often be performed to detect the presence of giardia and other infections.
| 
