Esophageal culture is a laboratory test that checks for infection-causing substances in a sample of tissue from esophagus.
Culture - esophageal
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Abnormal results are a sign of an infection of the esophagus. The infection may be due to bacteria, virus, or fungus.
There are no risks related to the culture. For information on risks related to the EGD procedure, see EGD.
Other procedures or tests may be done along with an esophageal culture.
Orlando RC. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 140.
Review Date: 11/15/2009
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