How is appendicitis diagnosed?

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

You’ll describe your symptoms and have a physical exam. Your doctor may order a blood test to check for infection. You also may have an imaging scan. Any of these tests can show signs of blockage, inflammation or organ rupture:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans show cross-sections of the body. They use a combination of X-rays and computer technology.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and magnets to produce detailed images of abdominal organs.
• An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to show images of organs.