GI Procedures

Tests & Procedures
In order to accurately predict, detect, diagnose, and treat conditions of the GI system doctors use a variety of procedures and tests. Hers is an overview and explanation of common tests and procedures used by doctors that manage conditions of the GI tract. The following is a list of common procedures used by gastroenterologists to both diagnose and treat conditions of the GI tract.

Diagnostic Tests, Procedures & Imaging

Diagnostic Tests are used to accurately diagnose disease, determine prognosis, and monitor the response to and the safety of treatment.   There are a number of diagnostic tests that fall into four categories: pathology, diagnostic imaging, blood tests, and tumor markers.

Pathology Tests: Pathology tests involve microscopic evaluation of abnormal cells obtained with a biopsy.

Diagnostic Imaging: Diagnostic imaging involves visualization of internal organs and their abnormalities using high-tech machines that create images. Examples of diagnostic imaging include x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and combined PET/CT scans.

Blood Tests: Blood tests measure substances in the blood that provide information about organ function.

Tumor Markers: Tumor marker tests detect substances in blood, urine, or other tissues that occur in higher than normal levels with certain cancers.