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Gastric tissue biopsy and culture

Definition

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.

Alternative Names

Culture - gastric tissue; Culture - stomach tissue; Biopsy - gastric tissue; Biopsy - stomach tissue; Upper endoscopy - gastric tissue biopsy; EGD - gastric tissue biopsy

How the Test is Performed

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.

The health care provider sends the tissue sample to a laboratory where it is examined for signs of cancer, certain infections, or other problems.

How to Prepare for the Test

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.

How the Test will Feel

Your provider will tell you what to expect during the procedure.

Why the Test is Performed

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

A gastric tissue biopsy and culture can help detect:

  • Cancer
  • Infections, most commonly Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers

Normal Results

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.

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

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

Risks

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

Gallery

Culture of gastric tissue biopsy
A flexible fiberoptic tube is passed through the mouth and down the esophagus until it enters the stomach. The tube allows the health care provider to see the various parts and take a biopsy (sample). The sample is taken to the laboratory to be examined. The procedure is used to determine the cause of bleeding, and to diagnose tumors, ulcers, inflammatory disease, and structural abnormalities of the stomach.
Stomach
The stomach is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for breaking down food. The lower esophageal sphincter at the top of the stomach regulates food passing from the esophagus into the stomach, and prevents the contents of the stomach from reentering the esophagus. The pyloric sphincter at the bottom of the stomach governs the passage of food out of the stomach into the small intestine.

References

Feldman M, Jensen PJ, Howden CW. Gastritis and gastropathy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 52.

Sugumar A, Vargo JJ. Preparation for and complications of GI endoscopy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 42.

Last reviewed November 4, 2021 by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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