What’s involved in doing a stomach exam

Common stomach tests include gastroscopy, upper gastrointestinal imaging, carbon 13 or carbon 14 breath test, in addition to blood tests to assist in the diagnosis of stomach diseases. 1. Gastroscopy: Gastroscopy is a commonly used examination for upper gastrointestinal diseases, which is mainly performed by sticking a thin tube with an endoscope into the stomach to clearly observe the internal structure of the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, etc. A biopsy of the tissues under the gastroscope can be performed to further assist in the diagnosis of gastric lesions if necessary. 2. Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests mainly include routine blood tests and fecal culture. Routine examination of the stomach plays a preliminary role in the diagnosis of most inflammatory diseases of the stomach. 3. Upper gastrointestinal imaging. Upper gastrointestinal imaging is a means of assisting in the diagnosis of common diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum by swallowing barium, such as barium sulfate, as the barium travels down the gastrointestinal tract, and in conjunction with changes in the patient’s body position. 4. Carbon 13 or carbon 14 breath test. The breath test is the most commonly used non-invasive clinical test to detect the presence or absence of gastric H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection may induce a variety of gastric diseases, and those who are positive should be given timely treatment to eradicate H. pylori according to the situation. Of course, which stomach test should be done should be chosen according to the patient’s specific situation after consulting with a medical professional.