How is Crohns disease (CD) diagnosed?
If you think you might have CD, talk to your doctor. She will use your health history, a physical exam, and several tests to figure out if you have CD. Tests used to diagnose CD include: • Blood tests: A sample of blood is studied in a lab to find signs of inflammation and anemia (low iron levels). • Stool sample: A sample of a bowel movement is tested for blood or infection. • Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series with Small Bowel Follow-Through: The patient drinks a chalky liquid that contains barium. Then x-rays are taken. Barium shows up on x-rays. This allows the doctor to “see” the upper part of the digestive system including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The doctor uses this test to check for signs of CD. • Barium Enema: The doctor injects fluid containing a substance called barium into the rectum. Barium allows the doctor to see the colon on an x-ray. Doctors use this x-ray to “see” signs of CD. • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: The doctor puts a thin tube with a light into
