Stomach Disorders – Available Tests and Investigations

Diagnosis of Stomach (Abdominal) Disorders

If you have stomach problems, you can check a medical history questionnaire to prepare yourself for appointment with yourdoctor. After listening your symptoms and performing physical examination, your doctor may suggest you to have additional investigations. It may save you a lot of nerves and money, if you know exactly, what a certain investigation or test can show and what not. You can also check main causes of abdominal symptoms.

General Tests

• Blood, Stool, Urine and Neurological tests

Food Allergy and Intolerance Tests

• Skin tests, Breath tests, Elimination diet and Food Challenge tests
• Low-FODMAP Diet trial in IBS
• Low-Fructose diet trial in Fructose Malabsorption

Imaging

• Abdominal ultrasound, X-ray, Upper and Lower GI, CT, MRI, MRA, Angiography

Endoscopic Investigations

• Upper Endoscopy – Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Small Bowel or Capsule Endoscopy
• Double Balloon Enteroscopy

Gallbladder Tests

• Gallbladder ultrasound, HIDA Scan, ERCP, MRCP

Investigation of the Stomach and Duodenum

• Breath test for H. pylori
• Gastric Emptying test
• Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy

Liver Tests

• Liver (hepatic) panel: liver enzymes and bilirubin (levels in the blood)
• Hepatitis antigens and antibodies

Investigations of Pancreas

• Ultrasound of pancreas
• CT of pancreas
• Pancreatic function tests: amylase, lipase, trypsin
• CA 19-9 (pancreatic cancer antigen)
• ERCP

Related Articles:

• Abdominal Quadrants, Abdominal Pain
• Chronic Diarrhea
• Chronic Constipation
• Foods to Avoid in IBS
• Low-Fructose Diet

Article reviewed by Dr. Greg. Last updated on April 23, 2011