Diagnosis of Crohn's disease

Diagnostic Test list for Crohn's disease:

The list of medical tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Crohn's disease includes:

Physical examination
Complete blood count - for anemia and white blood cell counts
Stool sample analysis
Upper GI series - barium X-rays
Lower GI series - barium X-rays
Colonoscopy
Biopsy - as part of colonoscopy

Tests and diagnosis discussion for Crohn's disease:

A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn's disease.

Blood tests may be done to check for anemia, which could indicate bleeding in the intestines. 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 intestines.

The doctor may do an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series to look at the small intestine. For this test, the patient drinks barium, a chalky solution that coats the lining of the small intestine, before x-rays are taken. The barium shows up white on x-ray film, revealing inflammation or other abnormalities in the intestine.

The doctor may also do a colonoscopy. For this test, the doctor inserts an endoscope--a long, flexible, lighted tube linked to a computer and TV monitor--into the anus to see the inside of the large intestine. The doctor will be able to see any inflammation or bleeding. During the exam, the doctor may do a biopsy, which involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the intestine to view with a microscope.

If these tests show Crohn's disease, more x-rays of both the upper and lower digestive tract may be necessary to see how much is affected by the disease. (Source: excerpt from Crohn's Disease: NIDDK)