AGA Guidelines for IBS testing

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.

Additional recommended knowledge

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United States American Gastroenterological Association guidelines Diagnostic Guidelines for Diagnosis of IBS

1. History and physical examination
2. Diagnostic testing
   1. CBC
   2. Chemistry panel
   3. Sedimentation rate
   4. Stool for O & P
   5. Stool for occult blood
   6. Flexible sigmoidoscopy
   7. IF > 50, colonoscopy or barium enema and sigmoidoscopy
   8. For diarrhea predominant:
      1. Small bowel radiograph
      2. Lactose/dextrose H2 breathing test
   9. For constipation predominant:
      1. Fiber trial
   10. For pain predominant:
       1. Plain film of abdomen

References