Diagnosis

Occasionally, another digestive condition is diagnosed before inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Were you diagnosed with another disease or syndrome before Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be diagnosed with a colonoscopy or with several other tests. Some people are diagnosed right away, but others may not get the right diagnosis for months or years. How were you diagnosed?

A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) (also called an immunochemical fecal occult blood test [iFOBT]) is used to screen the stool for blood that can not be seen with the naked eye (called occult blood). Blood in the stool can be a symptom of colon cancer.

Information about the diagnostic test called upper endoscopy, including what it is, what it's used for, preparation, how it's done, and the risks involved.

Information about x-rays, including what they are, what they're used for, preparation, how they're done, and the risks involved.

An enema may be used for several purposes, including in preparation for a colonoscopy, surgery, giving birth, or for constipation or fecal impaction.

Would you go to an exam without studying? No! So why go to the doctor's office without having done your homework? Learn how to better manage your doctor's visits.

A biopsy is a sample of body tissue that is taken for study, in order learn more about any possible disease.

When gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea do not resolve on their own, a stool culture may be used to identify any harmful bacteria that are causing the symptoms.

When a patient sees the doctor with symptoms that may point to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a series of tests are used to make the diagnosis. These tests can range from simple blood tests, to more invasive endoscopic procedures.

A liver biopsy is necessary when some other test (such as an x-ray or blood test) indicates that there may be a problem with the liver.

Information about upper GI series, including what it is, what it's used for, preparation, and how it's done.

A new, non-invasive DNA test for colon cancer is on the horizon. It could replace the fecal occult blood test, and enable more people to get tested for colon cancer.

What to expect when having a barium enema (also called a lower gastrointestinal series) including risks.

Preparation, procedure and risks of this test used to diagnose liver, gallbladder, bile duct, and pancreas problems.

More information about this test (also called stool gaiac or hemoccult test) that is used to examine stool for traces of blood that can not be seen with the naked eye.

Preparation, risks, and procedure for this test which is used ot examine the last one third of the large intestine, which includes the rectum and sigmoid colon.

More information about this test (also called an EGD, short for esophagogastroduodenoscopy) used to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first section of the small intestine).

Procedure and preparation for an upper gastrointestinal (upper GI) series which utilizes X-rays to find problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).

Risks, preparation and procedures for this common test.

Excellent information about this test including advantages, disadvantages, test procedure, and preparation.

Written by an M.D, this is a great explanation of procedures used to diagnose IBD.

What to expect during this procedure, as well as how to prepare for it, if it will be uncomfortable, and what areas of the digestive system are examined.

Getting a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can take some time and mean undergoing quite a few tests. Share the story of how you got your IBD diagnosis. See submissions

A CT scan may be used to diagnose and monitor several different digestive symptoms and conditions or to diagnose the cause of abdominal pain.

Are you wondering if the symptoms you've been experiencing mean that your IBD is flaring? Learn about the symptoms that mean you should call your doctor.

Don't fear the digital rectal exam! It's a simple test that should be painless and can easily be done in a doctor's office.

If you had IBD, how would you know? Here are some of the signs and symptoms that can be present with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.