How is ulcerative colitis diagnosed?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Ulcerative colitis is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions through a physical exam, blood tests, and stool tests. A biopsy may be performed during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

    To diagnose UC, a healthcare provider must rule out other conditions based on a physical exam, blood tests, and stool tests. A biopsy may be needed through a colonoscopy (a procedure that examines the entire large intestine) or sigmoidoscopy (a procedure that examines the lower part of the large intestine) to confirm a diagnosis.