The evaluation of diverticulitis begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with diverticulitis may include:

• Fever
• Tenderness in the left lower abdomen
• Blood in the stool

Testing is usually required to evaluate the severity of diverticulitis.

Tests that may be used to evaluate diverticulitis include:

• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile
• Urinalysis
• Stool guaiac:
• Chemically testing the stools for blood: will often be positive in diverticulitis.
• Abdominal x-rays
• Barium enema
• CT scanning of the abdomen:
• Colonoscopy:
• Can directly detect this condition.
• Sigmoidoscopy:
• Can directly detect this condition.

For more information:

• Diverticulosis evaluation