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Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Colon culture
Colon culture

Culture - colonic tissue biopsy
Definition:

A colonic tissue culture is a laboratory test performed on a specimen of colon (large intestine) tissue to isolate and identify organisms that may be causing certain infections (e.g., infectious diarrhea, parasitic and viral infections involving the colon).

The specimen is obtained by a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure for viewing the interior lining of the large intestine (colon) using a colonoscope, a flexible fiber-optic tube about 1/2 inch thick.



Alternative Names:
Colonic tissue culture

How the test is performed:

A sample of colon tissue is obtained during a colonoscopy procedure using special instruments. The specimen is sent to the laboratory and placed in special culture media. The specimen is incubated at different temperatures and examined daily for the presence of microorganisms.

If certain microorganisms are detected, the laboratory will perform additional testing to further classify them. Depending on the nature of the organism, susceptibility testing to different antimicrobial therapy may be done.

How to prepare for the test:

The preparation for the culture is the same as for a colonoscopy. The large intestine must be thoroughly cleansed. Therefore, you may be asked to take laxatives or an enema the evening prior to the test. You will likely be asked to be on a clear liquid diet for 48 hours before the test.

Before the colonoscopy is performed, you will be explained the risks and benefits of the procedure and will be asked to sign a consent form. You may be given a sedative to help you relax as the colonoscopy is being done.

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:
How the test will feel:
You may feel the urge to defecate when the colonoscope is inserted.
Why the test is performed:

The culture is performed to detect and identify certain infections which can affect the colon, especially when other tests (such as stool culture) have been unable to identify an underlying infection.

A colonoscopy may also be performed for other reasons (such as to identify certain forms of cancer or other diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease).

Normal Values:
The colon has a high number of well-characterized bacteria termed "bowel flora." The growth of these organisms in culture from a colonic biopsy does not mean there is an infection as this is part of the normal flora present in the gut.
What abnormal results mean:
The detection of certain organisms in a colonic biopsy culture is considered abnormal. This includes certain bacteria, such as Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium difficile, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and others. Parasites such as schistosomiasis and viruses such as cytomegalovirus are other examples of pathogenic organisms that may be detected.
What the risks are:
A colonoscopy is usually a safe procedure. However, it can cause a perforation (hole) of the large intestine, infection, and bleeding.
Special considerations:
After the colonoscopy, you may have large amounts of flatulence (gas) caused by the air used to distend the colon.
Review Date: 1/21/2002
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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