Table of Contents
What labs will be abnormal with diverticulitis?
A liver enzyme test, to rule out liver-related causes of abdominal pain. A stool test, to rule out infection in people who have diarrhea. A CT scan, which can identify inflamed or infected pouches and confirm a diagnosis of diverticulitis. CT can also indicate the severity of diverticulitis and guide treatment.
What bloodwork shows diverticulitis?
These laboratory tests include complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), urinalysis, and liver function tests. Imaging studies including CT scan and colonoscopy are also important measures in diagnosing diverticulitis.
Is bleeding common with diverticulosis?
Complications can occur in about 20% of people with diverticulosis. One of these complications is rectal bleeding, called diverticular bleeding, and another is diverticular infection, called diverticulitis. Diverticular bleeding occurs with chronic injury to the small blood vessels that are next to the diverticula.
Does diverticulosis cause blood in stool?
Diverticular bleeding occurs when pouches (diverticula) that have developed in the wall of the large intestine (colon) bleed. If you have these pouches, you have a condition called diverticulosis. Diverticular bleeding causes a large amount of blood to appear in your stool.
Can blood work be normal with diverticulitis?
Laboratory tests may be helpful when the diagnosis is in question. A hemogram may reveal leukocytosis and a left shift, indicating infection. However, the absence of leukocytosis does not rule out diverticulitis, as 20%-40% of patients have a normal white blood cell count.
Can a blood test tell if you have diverticulitis?
The blood test and abdominal CT scan are all that are needed to confirm the diagnosis. To perform a colonoscopy, a specialist gives you a sedative.
How do you fix diverticulitis pain?
To reduce abdominal pain caused by mild diverticulitis:
- Apply a heating pad to your abdomen to relieve mild cramps and pain.
- Try relaxation techniques (such as slow, deep breathing in a quiet room or meditation) to help reduce mild pain.
- Use a nonprescription pain medicine such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol).
Are there blood tests to diagnose small bowel diverticulosis?
Laboratory Studies. Laboratory tests have limited value in diagnosing small bowel diverticulosis. The following tests may be indicated: CBC count: Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count may occur in diverticulitis. Hematocrit may drop following significant acute or chronic blood loss.
When does diverticulitis cause blood in the stool?
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Diverticulosis doesn’t mean diverticulitis. Diverticulosis by itself typically doesn’t trigger any symptoms. Rarely, diverticula may bleed, causing blood in the stool. As in your case, diverticulosis is often found during a routine colonoscopy or on an imaging exam, such as a CT scan, that’s done for another reason.
What do you need to know about diverticular disease?
When a patient presents with severe pain that indicates diverticular disease, preliminary lab tests such as a white blood cell count, a urinalysis, and guaiac testing of the stool may be ordered. Additional tests include abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scan of the abdomen.
Can a normal white blood cell count rule out diverticulitis?
However, the absence of leukocytosis does not rule out diverticulitis, as 20%-40% of patients have a normal white blood cell count. This is particularly true in patients who are immunocompromised, who are elderly, and who have less severe disease. A hemoglobin level is important when the patient reports hematochezia.