Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate
Smear of duodenal fluid aspirate is an exam of fluid from the duodenum to check for signs of an infection (such as giardia or strongyloides). Rarely, this test is also done in a newborn to check for biliary atresia.
Duodenum
The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine. It is located between the stomach and the middle part of the small intestine, or jejunum. Aft...
Giardia
Giardia, or giardiasis, is a parasitic infection of the small intestine. A tiny parasite called Giardia lamblia causes it.
Strongyloides
Strongyloidiasis is an infection with the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis (S stercoralis).
How the Test is Performed
A sample is taken during an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, also called an EGD).
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum)....
How to Prepare for the Test
Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before the test.
How the Test will Feel
You will be given medicines to help you relax and sometimes sleep. Occasionally, you may feel a gag sensation, but the medicines used make this test very comfortable. If you get anesthesia, you cannot drive for the rest of the day and will need a ride home from the procedure location.
Why the Test is Performed
The test is done to look for infection of the small bowel. However, it is not often needed. In most cases, this test is only done when a diagnosis cannot be made with other tests.
Normal Results
There should be no disease-causing organisms in the duodenum. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The results may show the presence of giardia protozoa, the intestinal parasite strongyloides, or another infectious organism.
Risks
The risks of this test include:
- Bleeding
- Perforation of (poking a hole in) the gastrointestinal tract by the scope
- Infection
Some people may not be able to have this test because of other medical conditions.
Considerations
Other tests that are less invasive can often find the source of the infection.
Reviewed By
Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Aria - Jefferson Health Torresdale, Jefferson Digestive Diseases Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Dobbs KR, Dent AE. Strongyloidiasis (Strongyloides stercoralis). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 341.
Mathison BA, Pritt BS. Parasitology. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham CAD, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 88.
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