22nd April 2024

Investigations

In addition to history, examination and basic blood tests, there are a number of investigations specific to disorders of the large and small bowel. Endoscopy, in the form of oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) or colonoscopy, are the mainstay of investigation. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) can also be useful in the investigation of patients with suspected IBD. This permits visualisation of the bowel, as well as biopsy. In cases of suspected fat malabsorption, faecal elastase is most often used. This allows differentiation between pancreatic and intestinal causes of steatorrhea.