Gastric tissue biopsy and culture: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P 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.

T How the Test is Performed
P The tissue sample is removed during a procedure called upper endoscopy (or EGD). It is done with a flexible tube with a small camera (flexible endoscope) at the end. The scope is inserted down the throat into the stomach.
P The health care provider sends the tissue sample to a laboratory where it is examined for signs of cancer, certain infections, or other problems.

T How to Prepare for the Test
P 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.

T How the Test will Feel
P Your provider will tell you what to expect during the procedure.

T Why the Test is Performed
P 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
P A gastric tissue biopsy and culture can help detect:
- Cancer
- Infections, most commonly Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers

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

T What Abnormal Results Mean
P Abnormal results may be due to:
- Stomach (gastric) cancer
- Gastritis, when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen
- Helicobacter pylori infection

T Risks
P Your provider can discuss the risks of the upper endoscopy procedure with you.

T Alternative Names
P Culture - gastric tissue; Culture - stomach tissue; Biopsy - gastric tissue; Biopsy - stomach tissue; Upper endoscopy - gastric tissue biopsy; EGD - gastric tissue biopsy

T Images
- Culture of gastric tissue biopsy

T References
P Bhattacharya B. Non-neoplastic disorders of the stomach. In: Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Montgomery E, eds. Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 3.
P Feldman M, Lee EL. Gastritis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 52.
P Park JY, Fenton HH, Lewin MR, Dilworth HP. Epithelial neoplasms of the stomach. In: Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Montgomery E, eds. Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012: chap 4.
P Vargo JJ. Preparation for and complications of GI endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 41.

T Review Date 10/27/2015
P Updated by: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

