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Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis: What Tests to Expect
Published: Oct 17, 2023
Diagnosing ulcerative colitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Understanding the diagnostic process can help patients know what to expect.
Initial Evaluation
The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any family history of inflammatory bowel disease. They may perform a digital rectal exam to check for bleeding or inflammation.
Laboratory Tests
Blood tests are often the next step. These can check for anemia, inflammation markers like C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and nutritional deficiencies. Stool samples will be tested for infections and may also be used to measure calprotectin, a protein that indicates intestinal inflammation.
Endoscopy and Imaging
The gold standard for diagnosing ulcerative colitis is colonoscopy with biopsy. This allows direct visualization of the colon and collection of tissue samples for analysis. In some cases, a flexible sigmoidoscopy may be performed instead. Imaging studies like CT or MRI may be used to assess the extent of inflammation or check for complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, patients are typically sedated and don't feel discomfort.
It can take several weeks to complete all necessary tests.
No, endoscopy with biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis.
Putting It All Together
While the diagnostic process for ulcerative colitis can be complex, each test provides valuable information to guide treatment and management.
References
- Rubin DT, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2019; 114:384.
- Travis SP, et al. Developing an instrument to assess the endoscopic severity of ulcerative colitis: the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS). Gut 2012; 61:535.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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