The human digestive tract is immensely complex and crucial to our health. It measures an incredible 30 feet long in a human adult. The digestive tract puts up with much wear and tear through the years, and when you consider its many responsibilities, it’s incredibly resilient. Yet issues with the digestive system are relatively common, hard to pin down, and often rather difficult to treat. The good news is that if you live in or near Flemington & Hillsborough, NJ, and are looking for a gastroenterologist, you can come to see the Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists team. Let’s look at diagnostic gastroenterology testing and what your gut doctor might look for.

Diagnostic Gut Testing Explained

The digestive tract is so complex that it’s often best to go in with an open mind before diagnosing. Various diagnostic tests can help pin down what might be wrong or what could be causing issues. There are a wide variety of tests available and different things to examine.

Blood Tests

Blood samples can be taken to test for a wide range of conditions. A complete blood count (CBC) can check for antibodies that can help reveal things like Celiac disease. A high white blood count suggests inflammatory bowel disease and general inflammation. Looking at the blood can uncover many other things.

Stool Tests

Testing the stool can be useful for finding and identifying various microbes that could be causing digestive issues. Viruses, bacteria, and other germs may be uncovered. Stool tests can also help diagnose colon cancer. Blood or mucus in the stool can also hint at various issues.

Imaging Tests

Includes MRIs, ultrasounds, CT scans, and X-rays. These tests can reveal a wide range of issues, including the presence of foreign objects. X-rays can be used to identify excess air as well. If you suffer from digestive issues and live in or near Flemington & Hillsborough, NJ, see a gastroenterologist at the Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists. 

Endoscopy

A small device with a small camera is used to view the inside of the digestive tract. Endoscopy is commonly used to look for colon cancer but can uncover many other issues. It can be useful for looking for tumors, among other things.

Diagnosing Your Problems

Ultimately, it’s crucial to work with a patient to understand their issues. Once a doctor better understands your pains and other issues, they can order the correct diagnostic testing. If you are looking for a gastroenterologist in Flemington & Hillsborough, NJ, dial (908) 788 8200 to reach the Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists.