How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?

This question was asked in Marysville, Washington on 02/24/2012.
Can this problem be diagnosed through blood work, a urine sample, or through a CT scan? Thank you very much for your answers.

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Doctors Answers (2)

Eric Hill, M.D.
Answered on: 2/28/2012

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is sometimes difficult to diagmose. The most conclusive test is an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy. Labs and CT imaging can be helpful, but tissue biopsies are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Harsha Vittal, M.D.
Answered on: 2/27/2012

IBD is routinely diagnosed with a colonoscopy and biopsy. The other tests are complimentary but not adequate enough for diagnosis.