Diagnostics

Biopsy and GI Motility Testing

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which small pieces of tissue are removed for testing in a laboratory to see if abnormalities are present. A tissue sample may be obtained with a needle using endoscopy and ultrasound or CT guidance. A cytologic brushing is a technique to scrape and gather cells to provide a biopsy sample.

GI Motility Testing

Several tests are available in the GI Manometry Lab to help diagnose motility (movement) disorders of the esophagus and their complications. These tests include:

Esophageal manometry, which uses specialized pressure sensing catheters that can evaluate disorders of the motor function of the esophagus and its sphincter muscles. This test can diagnose disorders of weak or uncoordinated muscle function, including such conditions as achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, ineffective esophageal motility and “nutcracker esophagus.”
Anorectal manometry, which use catheters to assess muscle and sensation function at the lower end of the GI tract. This test can be helpful to diagnose problems of constipation and fecal incontinence.
Reflux testing, which involves the placement of catheters into the upper GI tract that can record for 24 hours and assess the presence of abnormal acid reflux (and abnormal reflux of non-acid material) into the gastrointestinal tract.
Breath testing, a specialized test that collects and measures the concentration of hydrogen gas in the breath after a patient has swallowed sugars such as glucose and lactose. This test can help diagnose the conditions of lactose intolerance and bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine.

Author: Marla Fraunfelder

Date: Oct. 17, 2007