Testing for IBD

BLOOD TESTS

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cannot be diagnosed through simple blood tests. However, they can still support of the diagnosis and can also be used to monitor the activity of disease and response to treatment. These include blood counts to detect anaemia and infection, liver function tests, potassium levels and vitamin B12.

CALPROTECTIN TEST

By testing a faeces (poo) sample, a test that shows a positive result for calprotectin in the faeces indicates there is inflammation in the gut, which is suggestive of IBD.

COLONOSCOPY

Looking visibly at the intestine with the camera passed through the rectum can help distinguish between UC and Crohn’s for a more accurate diagnosis, or visibly find tumours (cancer) and polyps. Small biopsies can be taken at the same time.

SCANS

X rays, MRI or CT to check for digestive blockages, tumour or enlarged colon.