THE PURPOSE OF BLOOD TESTS IN IBD
Testing for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes blood samples. Kids, in particular, often hate the idea or the brief needle stick, but to those with IBD, the tests are meaningful and a mere inconvenience. The tests will not identify the diagnosis of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, but they can help recognize a flare or developing problems.
Blood tests are done for 1 or more reasons
- To point toward a diagnosis and rule out other causes of the symptoms
- To judge how severe the disease is
- To determine whether there are associated problems, like anemia or liver inflammation
- Monitor progress or monitor for a flare
This article, as well as all others, was reviewed and edited by a member of our Medical Advisory Board.
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