A duodenal tissue culture is a laboratory exam to check a piece of tissue from the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) for infection-causing organisms.

A culture of duodenal tissue is done to check for bacteria that may lead to certain illnesses and conditions.

A piece of tissue from the first part of the small intestine is taken during an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

The sample is then sent to a lab, and placed in a special dish (culture media) that allows bacteria or viruses to grow. The sample is placed under a microscope and checked at regular time periods to see if there are any organisms present and if they are growing.

Any organisms that grow on the culture are identified.

This article discusses the culture test. For information on how to prepare for an upper endoscopy and biopsy procedure, see esophagogastroduodenoscopy.