A sample of small intestine is obtained by the use of a flexible scope that is passed through the digestive tract to the small intestine. In the small intestine, a small sample is removed and placed on a microscope slide. The sample is stained and sectioned (sliced) for histological (tissue) examination. The test is performed to diagnose an infection or parasitic infestation of the small bowel.
Review Date:
12/3/2007
Reviewed By:
D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.