Crohn's Disease Symptoms and Blood Testing

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Is there a test for Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.  An estimated 1 out of every 100 Americans are diagnosed with IBD and Crohn's is one of the most common forms.  The most common parts of the gastrointestinal tract to be affected by Crohn's are the beginning of the colon and the end of the small bowel. However, Crohn's can affect any part of the GI system.  Most cases of Crohn's are diagnosed in people aged 20-30 but it can occur at any age. Blood testing that is often done as part of routine general health testing may show abnormal results due to Crohn's.  Coupled with clinical symptoms, these test results can start the process of getting a diagnosis.

What are the Symptoms of Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's disease typically presents symptoms that are common to other conditions.  These symptoms include pain or cramps in the stomach, blood in the stool, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and sores inside the mouth or around the anus.  People who are experiencing these symptoms, especially if they have one or more of the risk factors for Crohn's should follow up with their doctor. Risk factors can include being over the age of 65, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and family history.

How do you test for Crohn's Disease?

No single test can diagnose Crohn's.  There are a variety of common blood tests that can be affected when someone has Crohn's disease.  Irregular results on these tests can alert someone to follow up with their doctor.

Testing options include:

• Complete blood count (CBC): Checks red blood cell count for anemia and white blood cell count for infections
• C-reactive protein (CRP): A marker for inflammation
• Electrolyte panel: Diarrhea from Crohn's can cause lowered levels of essential minerals
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Another test to look for inflammation
• Iron and Vitamin B12 levels: Crohn's can damage your body's ability to absorb nutrients
• Liver & Kidney function

There are also blood tests for specific markers that can help to identify Crohn's disease and differentiate it from other conditions like Ulcerative Colitis.  Blood testing will typically need to be followed up with other tests as recommended by your doctor.

Where can I get blood testing for Crohn's Disease

Request A Test offers a variety of lab testing for Crohn's and other types of gastrointestinal disorders.  In addition to routine blood work, our menu includes basic and comprehensive IBD panels to aid in identifying inflammatory disorders.  Our testing is affordable and requires no doctor's appointment or insurance.  Just order your test, and go to one of the 4,000 accredited labs we work with nationwide.  To get started visit us online at www.requestatest.com or call our team at 888-732-2348.

Why Choose Us?

• Since 2002, we have a proven track record of offering excellent customer service, affordable pricing with no hidden fees, and our enduring commitment to protect your personal information.
• No doctor's order? (No problem!) Our national physician network provides the required doctor's order for the lab. Insurance is not needed to order lab testing nor will your insurance company be billed.
• We are partnered with two of the largest CLIA-certified labs in the US, to offer you the latest lab testing technology with prompt and accurate results. (These are the same labs used by hospitals and physicians.)
• With over 3,600 lab locations to choose from and same-day collection, we make lab testing quick and convenient. No appointment is needed. Find your local lab with our location finder.
• We offer an extensive and detailed test menu. Ordering can be done online or over the phone. Not finding a test? Simply give us a call.

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