What tests does the gastroenterology department perform?
Feb 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Gastrointestinal examination methods mainly include blood tests, carbon isotope breath tests, and gastrointestinal endoscopy. Blood tests involve collecting a blood sample from the individual and analyzing the counts of neutrophils, eosinophils, white blood cells, and other components to preliminarily screen for signs of infection caused by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.
The main diagnostic methods in gastroenterology include blood tests, carbon isotope breath tests, and gastrointestinal endoscopy.
1. Blood Test
This procedure involves collecting a blood sample from the patient and analyzing the counts of neutrophils, eosinophils, white blood cells, and other components to preliminarily assess whether there are signs of infection caused by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.
2. Carbon Isotope Breath Test
Helicobacter pylori is the most common pathogen causing gastric inflammation. The C13 or C14 urea breath test is commonly used to detect H. pylori infection, offering a highly accurate preliminary diagnosis.
3. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
This typically includes two major procedures: gastroscopy and colonoscopy. These invasive examinations allow for direct visualization of suspicious lesions, including their condition and location. When necessary, biopsy samples can be collected for histopathological analysis to confirm the underlying cause.
In addition to the above methods, other diagnostic tools in gastroenterology may include stool tests and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.
