Search for
Intestine Biopsy - XL
Biopsy
Report in 288Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
GI mucosal tissue histology.
₹888₹1,269
30% OFF
Intestine Biopsy -XL: Comprehensive Medical Test Guide
- Section 1: Why is it done?
- Test Overview: The Intestine Biopsy -XL is a tissue sampling procedure that obtains small samples from the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, or ileum) or large intestine (colon) for microscopic examination to diagnose mucosal disorders and systemic diseases.
- Primary Indications for Testing:
- Diagnosis of celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis
- Investigation of chronic diarrhea and malabsorption syndromes
- Detection of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Evaluation for infectious diseases (tuberculosis, parasites, fungal infections)
- Diagnosis of lymphomas and other intestinal malignancies
- Assessment of whipple's disease, tropical sprue, and other environmental enteropathies
- Evaluation of weight loss and unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms
- Detection of microscopic colitis and other colonic disorders
- Timing and Clinical Circumstances:
- Performed during endoscopy or colonoscopy procedures
- Multiple tissue samples obtained from different intestinal locations for comprehensive assessment
- Results typically available within 3-7 business days
- Section 2: Normal Range
- Normal Findings:
- Intact, non-inflamed mucosa with normal architectural pattern
- Normal villous height and crypt depth (small intestine): villous height 3-5 mm with villous-to-crypt ratio >2:1 in duodenum
- Appropriate lymphocyte count: <20 intraepithelial lymphocytes per 100 epithelial cells
- Normal lamina propria with minimal chronic inflammation
- Absence of dysplasia, malignancy, and infectious organisms
- Interpretation of Results:
- NEGATIVE/NORMAL: No significant pathology; no evidence of disease
- POSITIVE/ABNORMAL: Significant pathological findings consistent with specific disease diagnosis
- BORDERLINE/EQUIVOCAL: Findings suggestive of but not diagnostic for specific disease; repeat biopsy or additional testing may be recommended
- Units of Measurement:
- Villous height: micrometers (μm) or millimeters (mm)
- Intraepithelial lymphocyte count: per 100 epithelial cells
- Results reported as descriptive pathology report with histological grades (grades 0-4 or similar classification systems)
- Normal Findings:
- Section 3: Interpretation
- Interpretation of Abnormal Results:
- Celiac Disease Pattern: Villous atrophy (blunting), increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (>40 per 100 epithelial cells), hyperplastic crypts, classified as Marsh type 1-4
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn's disease shows non-caseating granulomas, transmural inflammation; ulcerative colitis shows mucosal/submucosal inflammation limited to colon with crypt distortion
- Microscopic Colitis: Normal colon appearance endoscopically with increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (>20 per epithelium) and increased chronic inflammation in lamina propria
- Infectious Diseases: Identification of specific organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) with appropriate special stains (PAS, GMS, AFB) and immunohistochemistry
- Dysplasia or Malignancy: Classification as low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), or invasive carcinoma with specific tumor type identification
- Factors Affecting Results:
- Sample quality and size: Multiple adequate tissue samples improve diagnostic accuracy
- Biopsy location: Findings vary significantly by site; duodenal biopsies essential for celiac diagnosis
- Gluten exposure status: Celiac serology and histology require active gluten consumption for diagnostic accuracy
- Medications: Antibiotics, NSAIDs, immunosuppressants may alter histological appearance
- Sample handling and fixation: Improper fixation may affect tissue interpretation
- Clinical Significance of Result Patterns:
- Patchy distribution of lesions: Common in Crohn's disease; normal areas alternating with affected areas
- Continuous inflammation: Typical pattern in ulcerative colitis
- Increased severity with disease activity: Progressive inflammation correlates with clinical symptoms
- Dysplasia progression: Low-grade dysplasia carries ~5% annual cancer risk; high-grade dysplasia requires intervention
- Interpretation of Abnormal Results:
- Section 4: Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
- Gastrointestinal system: Small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and large intestine (colon, rectum)
- Immune system: Lymphoid tissue and mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)
- Diseases Diagnosed and Monitored:
- Autoimmune/Inflammatory: Celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), microscopic colitis, lymphocytic colitis
- Infectious: Tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, Helicobacter pylori, CMV colitis, Whipple's disease, parasitic infections (hookworm, strongyloides, ascaris)
- Neoplastic: Colorectal cancer, lymphomas (MALT lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma), adenocarcinoma, mucinous carcinoma
- Malabsorptive: Tropical sprue, environmental enteropathogens, short bowel syndrome complications
- Other: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), eosinophilic gastroenteritis, food allergy-related enteropathy
- Potential Complications and Risks from Abnormal Results:
- Celiac disease: Increased risk of lymphoma, osteoporosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and secondary malignancies
- IBD: Risk of toxic megacolon, perforation, massive hemorrhage, colorectal cancer
- Dysplasia: Progressive potential for malignant transformation requiring surveillance colonoscopy
- Infectious diseases: Risk of disseminated infection, sepsis, and systemic complications if untreated
- Malignancy: Risk of metastatic disease, requiring oncologic management
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
- Section 5: Follow-up Tests
- Tests for Confirmed Celiac Disease:
- Tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) serology at diagnosis and 12-24 months after gluten-free diet initiation
- Dexa scan for bone density assessment (osteoporosis screening)
- Complete metabolic panel and vitamin levels (B12, folate, iron, D)
- Repeat duodenal biopsy after 1-2 years on gluten-free diet to assess mucosal healing
- Tests for Confirmed IBD:
- Fecal calprotectin: Marker of intestinal inflammation; baseline and periodic monitoring
- Complete blood count (CBC): Monitor for anemia secondary to chronic disease
- C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Inflammatory markers
- Liver function tests: Monitor for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
- Surveillance colonoscopy: Annual or biennial screening in ulcerative colitis after 8-10 years of disease or in Crohn's disease if colonic involvement, with multiple biopsies for dysplasia detection
- Tests for Dysplasia or Malignancy:
- Immunohistochemistry: Additional analysis for dysplasia confirmation if needed
- Computed tomography (CT) colonography or abdominal/pelvic CT: Staging and metastatic workup
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA): Baseline measurement if malignancy confirmed
- Repeat colonoscopy and biopsy: 3-6 months after high-grade dysplasia diagnosis to confirm or exclude malignancy
- Tests for Infectious Diseases:
- Culture of biopsy tissue: If organisms identified on histology
- Serology: Antibody testing for specific infections (TB, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, etc.)
- Molecular testing: PCR or other nucleic acid detection for viral or bacterial pathogens
- Stool studies: Ova and parasite examination for parasitic infections
- Monitoring Frequency and Duration:
- Celiac disease: Initial serology at 6 months post-diagnosis, then annually; repeat biopsy at 1-2 years
- IBD: Ongoing fecal calprotectin and inflammatory markers every 3-6 months; endoscopic surveillance as per guidelines
- Dysplasia: Colonoscopy surveillance every 3-12 months depending on dysplasia grade and biopsy location
- Tests for Confirmed Celiac Disease:
- Section 6: Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: YES
- Fasting Duration:
- Minimum 6-8 hours of fasting before procedure
- Overnight fasting (typically 12 hours) preferred for better visualization
- For colonoscopy: Specific bowel preparation protocol required, including fasting and laxatives
- Medications to Avoid or Modify:
- Aspirin and NSAIDs: Discontinue 5-7 days before procedure (increases bleeding risk)
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs): Discuss with physician regarding holding schedule
- Clopidogrel and other antiplatelet agents: May need to hold 5-7 days beforehand
- Iron supplements: Hold 3-5 days before colonoscopy (may interfere with visualization)
- Continue essential medications (cardiac, diabetes medications) as directed
- Other Patient Preparation Requirements:
- For upper endoscopy (duodenal biopsy): NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight; may receive sedation
- For colonoscopy (colonic biopsy): Complete bowel preparation with prescribed laxative (GoLYTELY, MoviPrep, etc.) typically the day before
- Arrange transportation: Sedation used during procedure; cannot drive for 24 hours post-procedure
- Inform procedure team about allergies, medications, and prior adverse reactions to sedation
- Signed informed consent required detailing procedure risks and benefits
- For celiac disease diagnosis: Maintain gluten-containing diet for 4-6 weeks before biopsy for accurate histological findings
How our test process works!

