Esophageal culture

Esophageal Culture

Preparation

Before performing an esophageal culture, your doctor may request that you stop taking certain medications that create a higher risk of bleeding during the procedure. This includes:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin
• Aspirin

Your doctor may also give you instructions about how to fast for the test and how many hours before the procedure you should stop drinking and eating.

Procedure

The procedure, known as esophageal culture, involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the esophagus. During the culture, the doctor will pass a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. The endoscope is equipped with a light and camera to provide a clear view of the lining of your esophagus.

The doctor will then use forceps to take a small sample of tissue from the lining of the esophagus and place it onto a slide. This slide will then be sent to a laboratory for testing. The sample will then be examined under a microscope to identify potential bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

Types

Esophageal cultures are commonly used to detect infections caused by:

• Bacteria, including salmonella, shigella, group A Streptococcus, and Campylobacter
• Viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus
• Fungi, such as Candida

Risks

Esophageal culture is generally a safe procedure with few risks. The most common potential complications include:

• Bleeding from the tissue sample
• Throat irritation or soreness
• Infection from the endoscope

Why Esophageal Culture?

Esophageal culture is a diagnostic tool that can detect any underlying infections in the esophagus. It can help diagnose infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for infections, such as oral antifungal medications.

When To Consider Esophageal Culture?

Your doctor may recommend an esophageal culture if you have symptoms of an esophageal infection. Common symptoms of an infection include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain and burning sensation in your throat, chest, and abdomen
• Hoarseness or sore throat
• Coughing or choking sensation
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite