These are several standard laboratory tests that a doctor can use to diagnose:
- Blood examination
- A fecal occult blood test
- Colonoscopy
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Visual viewing Crohn wounds
Blood examination:
Looking for signs of anemia (low amount of red cells in the blood) and infection. Anemia might be the result of blood dropping out of the body from the intestines.
Fecal occult blood test:
The feces or stool sample is examined to check for signs of blood. A possible sign for the presence of ulcers. Blood leaking from ulcers will find its way into the stool. Dry blood is hard to see, so this test reveals its existence. This is the usual screening test for intestines problems in many countries.
Colonoscopy:
This procedure uses a thin, flexible tube. With a very small camera at one end to view the intestine`s internal surface. Images are caught by the camera. This test allows the direct viewing of the disease affecting the bowel.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan:
X-rays controlled by a computer take a series of precise views of the target organ. This enables the doctor to view the affected areas. Not only on the internal surface but also within the intestines. In very good detail for a more accurate diagnosis. This test is easier to perform for the patient and the doctor and is called “virtual colonoscopy”. When there are suspicious findings, a regular colonoscopy might be followed to verify its findings.
Visual viewing Crohn wounds:
Crohn can be seen on visible parts of the body. It looks like in the following images:
The same wounds exist in Crohn patient’s intestines, with the same “look and feel”.
