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Contents
  • Initial Evaluation
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Endoscopy and Imaging

Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis: What Tests to Expect

Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis: What Tests to Expect

The Diagnostic Journey

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.
Contents
  • Initial Evaluation
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Endoscopy and Imaging

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.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the colon and rectum. The diagnostic process involves clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.

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.

FAQs

Is a colonoscopy painful?

No, patients are typically sedated and don't feel discomfort.

How long does diagnosis take?

It can take several weeks to complete all necessary tests.

Can blood tests alone diagnose UC?

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.
Concerned about undergoing tests for ulcerative colitis? Chat with Doctronic to learn more about what each diagnostic step involves.
Additional References
  1. Rubin DT, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Ulcerative Colitis in Adults. Am J Gastroenterol 2019; 114:384.
  2. 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.