This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages without signing in

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis

Authoring team

A gold standard method for diagnosis of Ulcerative colitis is not currently available (1).

Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is achieved through a combination of medical history, clinical evaluation and supported by the typical endoscopic and histological findings (1):

  • proctosigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy with characteristic changes of ulcerative colitis (loss of the typical vascular pattern, granularity, friability, and ulceration)
  • biopsy - to distinguish UC from infectious colitis
  • negative stool examination - for infectious causes (2)

Initial laboratory investigation methods for patients with active disease at presentation include:

  • full blood count - may reveal thrombocytosis, anaemia, leucocytosis
  • inflammatory markers (CRP or ESR)
  • electrolytes
  • liver function tests
  • a stool sample for microbiological testing (1)

A number of autoantibodies especially perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) have been identified in patients with UC. (approximately 50-60% of patients are found to be positive for pANCA). Due to the low sensitivity of pANCA for the diagnosis of UC it cannot be used as a diagnostic tool (1)

Reference:


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.