A plain abdomen film can be taken which may show an inflamed bowel segment. Feces are not present in this inflamed area. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging can detect ulcerative colitis. Ultrasound can detect bowel wall thickening which is a sign of the disease. Computed tomography also shows the wall thickness in the affected areas.
Nuclear medicine uses an isotope to see where there are diseased areas.
The isotope will collect where there is an increase of blood flow. Broken blood vessels and ulcers will cause blood flow to increase. A blood test can be done to detect anemia, which can be a result of the inflammation. A stool sample is taken to test for the presence of blood or bacteria. Ulcerative colitis is incurable but can be treated to lessen the symptoms.