Small intestine aspirate and culture: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for:
Severe chest or abdominal pain
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds
Black, tar-like stools
Fainting, marked weakness, or confusion
Use the emergency contact instructions provided by your endoscopy facility.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice for persistent vomiting, fever, increasing abdominal pain, trouble swallowing, or symptoms that are not improving after the procedure.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine follow-up, contact the team if you have not received results within the timeframe they gave you, your usual symptoms continue, or you have questions about eating or restarting medicines.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Small intestine aspirate and culture. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.