Question

What are the laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures for Crohn's Disease? Name at least 3 and the results that determine a patient has crohn's disease.

Answer 1

Crohn's disease- it is the chronic inflammatory conditions. It cause the inflammation of digestive tract. The disease has similar symptoms of many other digestive diseases. So to be precise about the crohn's disease we have to go through different tests and diagnostics.

Some of the tests are :

1. Complete blood count (CBC): It checks whether the person is suffering from anaemia or not. Generally it tests for the count of red blood cells and infections if any.

2. C-reactive protein: Its tests for inflammation. This protein starts flowing in blood plasma in response to the inflammation.

3. Electrolyte panel: This test is used to measure the level of minerals like sodium and potassium. The low level of potassium indicates the Crohn's disease.

4.. Iron and B12 levels: If your intestine is not absorbing the nutrients properly this may be the indication for Crohn's disease. The low level of iron and B12 shows the in appropriate absorption of nutrient by small intestine.

5.Liver function test: liver gets affected by this disease. So it's mandatory to check whether liver is functioning properly or not.

Diagnostic procedure:

1. Barium x-ray- Generally it's difficult to to have a reach on every part of intestine. This test enables us to view the part of small intestine which is affected.

2. Colonoscopy- This test enables us to see the large intestine. It's very precise in detecting any inflammation in intestine when compared to other techniques.

3. MRI- It gives the better picture of your internal body. Small intestine can be clearly seen and we can also spot any anal abscess.