Blood Test Marker for Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by inflammation, pain and cramps in the gastrointestinal tract. Although there is no specific blood test for definitive disease diagnosis, certain findings can indicate its presence.

Blood Tests

• Doctors may order blood tests for suspected cases of Crohn’s based on physical examination findings and the presence of obvious symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). However, blood testing alone cannot verify the presence of the disease.

Blood Test Findings

• The AAFP cites certain blood test results that can indicate Crohn’s disease, including vitamin deficiencies, anemia (lack of healthy red blood cells), increased indicators of inflammation and salt imbalances.

Blood Antibodies

• Doctors may also use blood testing to detect the presence of certain antibodies that differentiate Crohn’s from other forms of IBD, reports Mayo Clinic. However, not all individuals with Crohn’s disease have these antibodies.

Additional Testing

• Mayo Clinic cites additional methods of testing for Crohn’s disease, including sigmoidoscopy (visual examination of the sigmoid colon), colonoscopy (examination and tissue sampling of the entire colon), barium enemas and detection of blood in the stool.

Considerations

• Individuals with Crohn’s-related antibodies in their blood may not actually have Crohn’s disease, notes Mayo Clinic.