Duodenal Aspirate Cultures to Identify Small Bowel Infections

The expert gastroenterology team at Mercy offers specific testing for conditions such as small intestinal bowel overgrowth (SIBO), including duodenal aspirate cultures.

What are Duodenal Aspirate Cultures?

Duodenal aspirate cultures are used to identify infections in the small bowel. Our clinicians will collect a small sample of fluid from the small intestine and lab tests will be conducted with the fluid sample to monitor the growth of bacteria or other organisms.

How are samples for Duodenal Aspirate Cultures collected?

A procedure called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is performed to obtain the sample.

When are Duodenal Aspirate Cultures recommended?

Your health care provider may order duodenal aspirate cultures if there are signs of too much bacteria growing in the intestinal tract. In most cases, other tests are performed first. This test is rarely performed outside of a research setting.

If your clinician suspects SIBO, and other tests such as a breath test are inconclusive, a duodenal aspirate culture may be helpful in diagnosis and is generally non-invasive for the patient.

The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy provides diagnosis and treatment for a range of gastroenterology issues including heartburn, liver disease, bowel conditions, motility disorders and pancreatic disease.