Inflammatory bowel disease: diagnosis and research trends: the clinical lab is playing an increasingly important role.

IBD consists of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and is characterized by recurrent and chronic inflammation of intestinal mucosa. In addition to patient's symptoms, history and physical examination, various techniques and tests help diagnose IBD. Endoscopy, histology, and imaging techniques such as CT-scan or MRI are used along with serological and hematological lab tests for its diagnosis. The likelihood of these procedures distinguishing between the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease is high. Various investigations are underway for better identification and management of IBD in the future.