diagnosis
What are these tests like colonoscopy or imaging looking for in my diagnosis and care?
Your doctor orders tests for a few reasons. They confirm your diagnosis. They show where swelling is and how bad it is.
Your doctor orders tests to confirm Crohn's disease, see how severe the inflammation is, and rule out other conditions.
Endoscopy tests — where a doctor uses a flexible tube with a tiny camera — are the most accurate way to diagnose Crohn's disease. A colonoscopy (a test that looks inside the large intestine with a small camera) checks your rectum, colon, and the lower part of your small intestine. A capsule endoscopy uses a tiny camera inside a pill that you swallow. Your doctor may take small tissue samples, called biopsies, during these tests.
Blood tests check for signs of anemia and inflammation. Stool tests look for inflammation and rule out infections. Imaging tests — including CT scans, MRI, and an upper GI series that uses a liquid called barium — give your doctor pictures of your digestive tract.
Ask your care team what each test is checking for in your case.
Free guide
10 questions to ask your care team about Crohn's disease
You don't have to become an expert overnight — you just need the right questions in your pocket. Bring these to your next visit.
We’ll email you the guide and occasional plain-language updates. No spam; unsubscribe anytime. Educational only — not medical advice.
Still have a question?
Ask in your own words. Cairava explains it plainly and gives you questions for your care team. Anonymous — identifying details are stripped automatically. Not medical advice.
Ask anything about Crohn's disease
Ask in your own words. We’ll explain it plainly, map out what to expect, and give you questions to bring to your care team.
Sources
Reviewed by Cairava editorial (preview — AI-drafted, pending clinical review).
This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
More about Crohn's disease
- What are tests like colonoscopy or imaging actually looking for?
- What is Crohn's disease and how might it affect my body now that I've been diagnosed?
- What is Crohn's disease and how will it affect my body now that I've been diagnosed?
- What's the difference between a flare and remission, and what symptoms might I experience during a flare?
- What's the difference between a flare and remission, and what symptoms might I notice during a flare?
- How can I get support with insurance coverage, prior authorization, or affording my biologic medication?