What tests might I need? 🩺

If you've been having tummy or bowel problems, your doctor might want to do some tests to find out what's going on.

If your doctor is investigating whether you could have IBD, you might have blood tests, poo tests, scans or other tests.

That might sound a little scary, especially if you've never had these tests before.

But knowing what to expect can make things feel much easier.

And remember — having tests doesn't mean you have IBD.

Your healthcare team uses the results, along with your symptoms and other information, to work out what might be happening.

🩸 Blood tests

Blood tests can give your doctor information about what's happening inside your body.

They may check things such as:

• Signs of inflammation

• Your iron levels

• Whether you have anaemia

• Your blood count

• Your vitamin and nutrient levels

• How your body is functioning overall

What happens?

A nurse or doctor will use a small needle to take some blood from your arm.

You might feel a quick pinch or sting, but it usually doesn't take very long.

If you're nervous about needles, tell the person doing the test.

They're used to helping people who don't like needles and can talk you through what's happening.

💩 Poo tests

Yes — sometimes your doctor will ask you to collect a poo sample.

It might sound embarrassing, but this is a really useful test.

One test you might hear about is faecal calprotectin.

Calprotectin is a substance that can increase when there is inflammation in your intestines.

A poo test can help your doctor work out whether there might be inflammation in your gut.

What happens?

You'll usually collect a small sample of poo using a special container or collection kit.

You don't need to worry about anyone looking at your poo.

The laboratory checks the sample and sends the results back to your doctor.

It doesn't hurt at all.

🩻 Scans

Sometimes your healthcare team might want to take pictures of your digestive system.

Different types of scans can show different parts of your body.

You might have a:

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of what's happening inside your body.

A healthcare professional puts some gel on your tummy and moves a small device called a transducer over your skin.

It doesn't hurt.

MRI or MRE

You might also have an MRI or an MRE (magnetic resonance enterography).

These use a large magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures.

You lie on a bed that moves into a large scanner.

An MRE is designed to give doctors a detailed look at your small intestine.

An MRI doesn't use X-rays.

Some people find the scanner noisy or don't like being in an enclosed space, so tell your healthcare team if you're worried.

They can explain exactly what will happen and help you prepare.

🔎 Endoscopy

If your healthcare team needs to look closely at the inside of your digestive system, you may need an endoscopy.

There are different types.

A colonoscopy looks at the inside of your large intestine and the end of your small intestine.

An upper endoscopy looks at the upper part of your digestive system, including your oesophagus, stomach and the beginning of your small intestine.

You won't be awake for the procedure in the usual way. Children and teenagers are generally given sedation or anaesthesia so the procedure is comfortable.

Your healthcare team will explain exactly what type of anaesthetic or sedation you'll have.

🔬 Biopsies

During an endoscopy or colonoscopy, your doctor may take some tiny samples of tissue, called biopsies.

This might sound worrying, but you won't feel the biopsies being taken while you're under anaesthesia or sedation.

The samples are sent to a laboratory where they can be looked at under a microscope.

This can give your doctors more information about what's happening in your digestive system.

🧪 Do I need all of these tests?

Not necessarily.

Everyone is different.

You might only need some blood and poo tests.

Someone else might need scans or an endoscopy.

Your doctor will decide which tests are appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, examination and previous test results.

You don't need to have every test just because you're being investigated for IBD.

🤔 What if my test results are normal?

A normal result doesn't mean that your symptoms aren't real.

It can sometimes take more than one test — or more time — to work out what's causing symptoms.

Your doctor will look at the whole picture, rather than relying on one test.

If you're still having symptoms, keep talking to your healthcare team.

📋 What if my results are abnormal?

An abnormal result doesn't automatically mean you have IBD either.

Some tests can change for lots of different reasons.

For example, inflammation can sometimes happen because of an infection or another condition.

Your doctor will explain what your results mean and whether you need any more tests.

💬 Questions you can ask

It's completely okay to ask questions before having a test.

You could ask:

“What is this test for?”

“Will it hurt?”

“How long will it take?”

“Do I need to do anything before the test?”

“Will I get the results straight away?”

“What happens after the test?”

If you're worried, tell your parent, carer, doctor or nurse.

You don't have to pretend you're not scared.

💛 Tests can help you get answers

Having tests can feel like a lot, especially when you're already not feeling well.

But each test is another piece of information that can help your healthcare team understand what's happening.

You don't have to understand every medical word or remember everything you're told.

Ask questions.

Take someone you trust with you when you can.

And ask your doctor to explain anything you don't understand.

🌱 Remember

A test is just a test.

It doesn't define you, and it doesn't automatically mean you have IBD.

Your healthcare team is trying to understand why you're feeling the way you do and work out what help you might need.

It's okay to ask questions.

It's okay to be nervous.

And it's okay to ask for someone to explain things again.

You deserve to understand what's happening with your body. 💛