Sigmoidoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the rectum and the lower part of the colon. It uses a thin, lighted tube to look directly at the bowel lining (mucosa). It is commonly used in gastroenterology to evaluate lower gastrointestinal symptoms. It can also be used to collect tissue samples (biopsies) for diagnosis.
Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It uses a flexible camera to directly view the inner lining (mucosa). It is commonly used in gastroenterology to evaluate symptoms and detect disease. It can also be used to treat certain findings during the same session.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It uses a flexible camera to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). EGD is commonly used in gastroenterology, hepatology, and GI surgery to evaluate symptoms and confirm diagnoses. It can be diagnostic (looking and sampling) and, in selected cases, therapeutic (treating problems during the same session).
Upper Endoscopy is a procedure that lets clinicians look directly at the inside lining of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is commonly performed by gastroenterologists using a flexible camera called an endoscope. It evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is used in hospitals, outpatient endoscopy centers, and some urgent settings to assess symptoms and guide diagnosis.
Endoscopy is a way to look inside the body using a flexible or rigid camera called an endoscope. It most commonly evaluates the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and colon. It can also be used to examine and treat problems in the bile ducts and pancreas through specialized techniques. In many cases, it allows diagnosis and treatment during the same encounter.
The Fecal Fat Test measures how much fat is present in stool. It is used to evaluate whether the intestine is absorbing dietary fat normally. It is commonly ordered in the workup of chronic diarrhea, greasy stools, or unexplained weight loss. It helps clinicians recognize a pattern called fat malabsorption (steatorrhea).
Fecal Calprotectin is a stool-based laboratory marker that reflects inflammation in the intestines. It measures calprotectin, a protein released mainly by neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). It is commonly used in gastroenterology to help assess symptoms like chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is also used to monitor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity over time.
Occult Blood means blood that is present but not visible to the naked eye. In gastroenterology, it most often refers to small amounts of blood in stool. It is commonly detected using stool-based laboratory tests. It is used in both symptom evaluation and colorectal cancer screening.
Stool Culture is a laboratory test that grows bacteria from a stool (fecal) sample. It is used to identify certain infectious causes of diarrhea and dysentery (bloody diarrhea). It is commonly ordered in emergency, primary care, inpatient, and gastroenterology settings. The goal is to detect specific enteric (intestinal) bacterial pathogens and guide next diagnostic steps.
Rotavirus is a virus that infects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can cause acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea). It is a common cause of diarrheal illness in infants and young children worldwide. In clinical practice, Rotavirus is discussed as an infectious diagnosis and as a vaccine-preventable disease. It is also a target on stool-based diagnostic tests used to evaluate acute diarrhea.