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Appendicitis - Exams and Tests
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
Appendicitis is diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, lab tests, and sometimes imaging tests. Appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children, pregnant women, and older people.
Medical history
The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, including the order in which your symptoms appeared and what was happening before the pain began.
Physical exam
The doctor will push on different
parts of your belly to see where the pain is. The doctor will probably focus on
the lower right quadrant 
, where most people feel pain when
they have appendicitis.
The doctor may insert a gloved finger into your anus (digital rectal exam) to help identify the cause of your pain. Women may have a pelvic exam to help rule out other problems.
Lab tests
There is no specific lab test for appendicitis. But your doctor probably will do a complete blood count (CBC) to look for signs of infection.
The doctor also may do a urine test to make sure that a urinary tract infection or kidney stone is not causing the problem. A woman may have a pregnancy test to make sure she is not pregnant.
Imaging tests
A CT scan may be used when a diagnosis of appendicitis is uncertain. CT is more accurate than ultrasound in diagnosing appendicitis.
Ultrasound can be used to take pictures
of the appendix. Ultrasound is used more with pregnant women
who cannot have a CT scan. It also may be used with children when their
symptoms are not obvious. But the appendix cannot always be seen with an
ultrasound.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: April 5, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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