Crohn's Disease : Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose Crohn's disease, a patient will likely undergo a number of laboratory tests and one or more imaging procedures that allow a doctor to visually evaluate the intestine. Laboratory tests include blood tests and stool cultures. They are used to evaluate the inflammatory process and to provide clues about the cause. There are three common imaging procedures. One is a type of X-ray, and the others use endoscopy, allowing the doctor to actually look inside the body.
Imaging studies include:

Sigmoidoscopy

Colonoscopy

Barium enema
Once transient infection has been ruled out and inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, it is important to make a correct diagnosis of either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. While the two diseases have many similarities, they are distinct. Many of the newer drugs are more effective for treating for one disease than the other.