Diagnostic Tests for Ulcerative colitis
Diagnostic tests for Ulcerative colitis:
A qualified health care professional, such as a gastroenterologist, will perform a complete evaluation and history and physical, in conjunction with medical testing, to determine the type and severity of ulcerative colitis you have and the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for you.
Diagnostic testing can include a complete blood count, which can help reveal if you are losing blood in your bowel movements or through diarrhea and if you have become anemic (an abnormally low number of red blood cells). Blood in stool or diarrhea is not always perceivable by the naked eye. It can also determine if the number of white blood cells are high in your blood, which may indicate an inflammatory process and/or infection in your body. Your stool may also be tested to see if there are any white blood cells in it as well, or if there are any other conditions that may cause bleeding or infection, such as parasites or abnormal bacteria. Radiological testing may include a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These tests allow a physician to see the linings of the intestines using a probe that sends picture to a computer screen. CT scan may also be used to diagnose ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis: Diagnostic Tests
The list of diagnostic tests
mentioned in various sources as
used in the diagnosis of Ulcerative colitis
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to Ulcerative colitis:
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Tests and diagnosis discussion for Ulcerative colitis:
A thorough physical exam and a series of tests
may be required to diagnose ulcerative colitis.
Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate
bleeding in the colon or rectum. Blood tests may also uncover a high white
blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body.
By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or
infection in the colon or rectum.
The doctor may do a colonoscopy. For this test, the doctor inserts an
endoscope--a long, flexible, lighted tube connected to a computer and TV
monitor--into the anus to see the inside of the colon and rectum. The
doctor will be able to see any inflammation, bleeding, or ulcers on the
colon wall. During the exam, the doctor may do a biopsy, which involves
taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the colon to view with a
microscope. A barium enema x-ray of the colon may also be required. This
procedure involves filling the colon with barium, a chalky white solution.
The barium shows up white on x-ray film, allowing the doctor a clear view
of the colon, including any ulcers or other abnormalities that might be
(Source: excerpt from Ulcerative Colitis: NIDDK)
Diagnosis of Ulcerative colitis: medical news summaries:
The following medical news items
are relevant to diagnosis of Ulcerative colitis: