How do you diagnose Crohn's Disease

There is no single test to diagnose Crohn’s disease, and there are many symptoms which overlap with other health problems making it particularly difficult to diagnose. In order to diagnose Crohn’s disease, a doctor will run a combination of lab tests, exams, and imaging studies to make a conclusion. Some of the things doctors will take into account when making a diagnosis are:

• Physical exam and history
• Lab tests - test for infection, inflammation, internal bleeding, and low levels of substances such as iron, protein, or minerals
• Imaging studies and endoscopy - identify the severity and location along the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the rectum.
• Balloon-assisted enteroscopy
• Barium X-rays
• Colonoscopy
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Leukocyte scintigraphy
• Video capsule endoscopy