How Do We Diagnose Microscopic Colitis?

The best way to diagnose your condition is by examining a tissue sample (biopsy) of your colon under a microscope. The IBD team at Stanford Health Care works seamlessly with doctors who specialize in interpreting colon biopsies (clinical pathologists) to offer a precise diagnosis for your condition.

As part of our comprehensive approach to care, we also try to rule out other conditions that cause diarrhea, such as viruses and food intolerances.  To do this, you may need one or more of the following tests, including:

• Blood test: Using a sample of your blood, we may run a number of tests including:
  • Complete blood count to look for signs of anemia and infections
  • Electrolyte and kidney function panel to look for electrolyte abnormalities and liver issues
  • Albumin tests to assess your nutritional status
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy: Examining the entire length of your colon (colonoscopy) or just the lower part of your colon (sigmoidoscopy) with the help of a small flexible tube and tiny camera we insert into your rectum (endoscope).
• Stool culture: Also known as a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), this test can identify microscopic amounts of blood, white blood cells and evidence of food intolerances.