What causes ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is caused by an abnormal immune response where your bodys defense system mistakenly attacks the lining of your colon and rectum. The exact trigger is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors play a role. When your immune system identifies normal gut bacteria as threats, it launches an inflammatory attack that damages the intestinal lining, causing ulcers and chronic inflammation throughout the large intestine.

What is the best test for ulcerative colitis?

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Differentiation Panel is the most important test for ulcerative colitis because it measures multiple antibody markers that distinguish it from Crohns disease and predict disease severity. This panel includes ASCA antibody testing, where patients with ulcerative colitis typically show lower or negative levels compared to Crohns patients. The ASCA IgG and ASCA IgA tests within this panel help your doctor determine which type of IBD you have, as accurate diagnosis is critical for choosing the right treatment approach and predicting how your disease may progress.

When should I get tested for ulcerative colitis?

You should get tested if you experience persistent bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain, urgent bowel movements, or unexplained weight loss lasting more than a few weeks. Testing is also important if you have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease or if you notice mucus or pus in your stool. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications like severe bleeding, colon perforation, and increased colon cancer risk, so do not wait if your symptoms are disrupting your daily life.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis symptoms include frequent diarrhea mixed with blood or pus, urgent need to have bowel movements, abdominal pain and cramping, and rectal pain or bleeding. You might also experience fatigue, unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, and fever during flare-ups. Many people notice they cannot fully empty their bowels even after going to the bathroom, and children with this condition may experience delayed growth and development.

Who is at risk for ulcerative colitis?

People with a family history of inflammatory bowel disease face the highest risk, as genetics play a significant role in developing ulcerative colitis. The condition typically appears before age 30, though it can develop at any age, and affects men and women equally. People of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have higher rates, while those who live in developed countries and urban areas show increased risk compared to rural populations. Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs regularly may also increase your susceptibility.

What happens if ulcerative colitis is left untreated?

Untreated ulcerative colitis leads to severe complications including massive bleeding from ulcerated areas, perforation of the colon, severe dehydration from persistent diarrhea, and toxic megacolon where your colon rapidly swells and may rupture. Your risk of colon cancer increases significantly, especially if inflammation affects large portions of your colon or has been present for more than eight years. You may also develop liver disease, osteoporosis from malabsorption, blood clots, and skin, eye, or joint inflammation that extends beyond your digestive system.

Can ulcerative colitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose ulcerative colitis on their own, but they provide crucial information for differentiating it from Crohns disease and assessing disease activity. ASCA antibody tests help distinguish between types of inflammatory bowel disease, while blood work also detects anemia from chronic bleeding, inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, and nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor will combine blood test results with colonoscopy findings, tissue biopsies, and your symptom history to make an accurate diagnosis and develop your treatment plan.

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

Ulcerative colitis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and achieving long-term remission using anti-inflammatory drugs like aminosalicylates and corticosteroids for flare-ups. Immune system suppressors such as azathioprine, biologics like infliximab, and JAK inhibitors help control the overactive immune response causing damage. In severe cases where medications fail or complications develop, surgery to remove the colon and rectum may be necessary. Treatment plans are personalized based on your disease severity, extent of colon involvement, and how well you respond to medications.

How can I prevent ulcerative colitis?

You cannot prevent ulcerative colitis entirely since its exact cause remains unknown, but you can reduce flare-up frequency by identifying and avoiding your personal trigger foods, managing stress through relaxation techniques or therapy, and taking medications exactly as prescribed. Maintaining a food diary helps you spot patterns between what you eat and symptom flares. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking are important, as smoking cessation can actually worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms unlike in Crohns disease where smoking has different effects.

What natural remedies help with ulcerative colitis?

Natural approaches that may help manage ulcerative colitis symptoms include taking probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria balance, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil for their anti-inflammatory properties, and curcumin from turmeric which shows promise in reducing inflammation. Stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture help many people control flare-ups triggered by emotional stress. However, never replace prescribed medications with natural remedies alone, and always discuss supplements with your doctor since some can interfere with IBD medications or worsen symptoms in certain individuals.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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Ulcerative Colitis Blood Test

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. It is caused by an abnormal immune response where the bodys immune system attacks the lining of the large intestine. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Differentiation Panel is the most important test for distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other IBD conditions like Crohns disease.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

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