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Gastric culture   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Gastric lavage; Gastric aspiration for detection of tuberculosis

Definition:

A gastric culture is a test used in children to identify the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (mycobacterium tuberculosis) in gastric (stomach) contents.

How the Test is Performed

A naso-gastric tube is placed through the nose into your child's stomach. Your child may be given a glass of water and asked to swallow while the tube is advanced. Once the tube is in the stomach, a syringe is used to withdraw a sample. The tube is then removed through the nose, and the sample is taken to the laboratory.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your child will need to fast for 8 to 10 hours before the test. The sample is collected in the morning.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

While the tube is being passed through the nose and throat, your child may feel some discomfort and may also feel the urge to vomit.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is useful in the diagnosis of pulmonary (lung) tuberculosis in children in whom an adequate sputum sample cannot be obtained.

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