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Definition:
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Esophageal culture is a laboratory test that checks for infection-causing germs in a sample of tissue from the esophagus.
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Alternative Names:
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Culture - esophageal
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How the test is performed:
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A sample of tissue from your esophagus is needed. For information on how this is done, see esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
The sample is sent to a lab, where it is placed in a special dish (culture media) and checked daily to see if any bacteria, fungus, or virus grows.
Other tests may be done to determine what medication can best treat the organism.
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How to prepare for the test:
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There is no preparation needed for a culture. For information on how to prepare for the removal of a piece of esophageal tissue, see EGD.
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How the test will feel:
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The laboratory test is painless and does not involve the patient. For information on how the test to obtain the sample feels, see the article on EGD.
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Why the test is performed:
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Your doctor may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of an esophageal infection or disease, or if an ongoing infection does not respond to treatment.
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Normal Values:
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A normal result means that no microorganisms were seen on the laboratory dish.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
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What abnormal results mean:
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Abnormal results are a sign of an infection of the esophagus. The infection may be due to bacteria, virus, or fungus.
See also: Esophageal herpes
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What the risks are:
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There are no risks related to the culture. For information on risks related to the EGD procedure, see EGD.
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Special considerations:
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Other procedures or tests may be done along with an esophageal culture.
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References:
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Falk GW, Katzka DA. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 140.
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