Blood tests for digestive issues

Home Digestive Health - Gastroenterology Diagnosis Many digestive conditions cause symptoms that are similar, but the treatment for the conditions can be very different. As a result, your provider may need to perform testing — including blood tests — to confirm a diagnosis.Blood tests can show levels of specific substances in the blood. Digestive issues for which blood tests support a diagnosis include Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, stomach cancer and food allergies. Preparing for a blood test Some blood tests may require special preparations, such as fasting or discontinuing specific medications. Your care provider will let you know which preparations to take. If you’re not told to fast, you should drink plenty of water and follow your regular diet. During the blood test Blood tests are usually a quick and common procedure. The area the blood will be drawn from — usually the arm, either near the elbow or the wrist...