A Comprehensive Guide to Living With Diverticulitis; Signs, Symptoms, Treatment And More

Additional Testing For Patients With Potential Diverticulitis

Once abdominal pain is reported in a patient, medical professionals perform several other tests to look for diverticulitis. Blood and urine tests are ordered to check for any signs of infection. Women who are not yet past the age of childbearing are required to take a pregnancy test as pregnancy is a common cause of many of the symptoms of diverticulitis, and it must be ruled out. Stool tests are necessary if any patient presents diarrhea as a side effect, and liver function is tested to rule out more serious health problems. Finally, doctors might order a CT scan to verify the presence of infected pockets around the colon.