Our Services
Gastrointestinal Function Testing
The gastrointestinal system, often referred to as the digestive system, is a complex network of organs responsible for the intake, digestion, absorption, and elimination of food and waste. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small
intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus, as well as accessory organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Conventional Medicine Testing of Gastrointestinal Function Several diagnostic tests can assess the function and health of the gastrointestinal system. These tests help identify conditions like gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, cancers, and malabsorption disorders.
Conventional Medicine Testing of Gastrointestinal Function
Endoscopic Procedures
- Gastroscopy (EGD): Involves inserting a flexible tube (endoscope) through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). It’s used to diagnose ulcers, inflammation, cancers, and infections.
- Colonoscopy: A flexible tube is inserted into the rectum to examine the colon and rectum. It is typically used for colorectal cancer screening, assessing symptoms like bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel habits, and diagnosing conditions like IBD or diverticulosis.
Imaging Tests
- X-rays and Barium Studies: Barium swallow or barium enema involve ingesting or inserting a barium solution that shows up clearly on X-rays. These tests are often used to visualize the esophagus, stomach, or colon.
- Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging technique used to examine organs like the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys for abnormalities.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis to identify tumors, inflammation, or other structural abnormalities.
Laboratory Tests
- Stool Tests: Used to detect infections (bacteria, viruses, or parasites), blood, or fat malabsorption. Examples include testing for Clostridium difficile or H. pylori infections.
- Blood Tests: Can help evaluate liver function (liver enzymes), pancreatic function (amylase, lipase), and assess for systemic conditions like anemia or malnutrition. Specific tests like the H. pylori blood test can confirm infections that contribute to gastric ulcers.
- Lactose Intolerance Test: Measures how well the body digests lactose, indicating lactose intolerance.
Functional Tests
- Breath Tests: Used to assess malabsorption disorders, such as the hydrogen breath test for lactose intolerance or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Gastric Emptying Study: A test to see how quickly food leaves the stomach, which can diagnose gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).
- Motility Tests: These evaluate the muscular activity of the esophagus, stomach, or colon. Manometry is a test for assessing esophageal function (often done in cases of achalasia or GERD).
Biopsy
During procedures like endoscopy, small tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken to analyze for abnormalities such as cancer, infection, or autoimmune diseases (e.g., celiac disease).
Common Disorders Assessed in GI Testing
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcers
- Celiac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and
ulcerative colitis - Lactose intolerance
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Hepatitis and liver disorders
- Colorectal cancer
GI testing is crucial for diagnosing various conditions that can affect digestion and absorption. Depending on the symptoms, a combination of imaging, endoscopy, laboratory tests, and functional studies may be used to assess the overall function and health of the gastrointestinal system.
