How is ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosed?
If you suspect you have UC, talk to your doctor. She will use your health history, a physical exam, and many different tests to figure out if you have UC. Tests used to diagnose UC include: • Blood tests: A sample of blood is studied in a lab to find signs of inflammation and anemia. • Stool sample: A sample of a bowel movement is tested for blood or infection. • Barium Enema: The doctor injects fluid containing a substance called barium into the rectum. The barium allows the doctor to see the colon on an x-ray. Using this x-ray, doctors can “see” if there are any ulcers or other signs of UC. • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: The doctor puts a thin tube with a light into the rectum. It allows the doctor to check the rectum and the lower part of the colon for signs of UC. • Colonoscopy: The doctor puts a thin tube with a light through the rectum and into the colon. This allows her to “see” the lining of the whole colon and check for signs of UC.
