AGA Guidelines for IBS testing
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The American Gastroenterological Association has published a set of guidelines for tests which physicians should perform prior to diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome.[1] These tests are meant to exclude other causes, such as infection and colon cancer.
American Gastroenterological Association Guidelines for Diagnosis of IBS
- History and physical examination
- Diagnostic testing
- CBC
- Chemistry panel
- Sedimentation rate
- Stool for O & P
- Stool for occult blood
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- IF > 50, colonoscopy or barium enema and sigmoidoscopy
- For diarrhea predominant:
- Small bowel radiograph
- Lactose/dextrose H2 breathing test
- For constipation predominant:
- Fiber trial
- For pain predominant:
- Plain film of abdomen