Crohn’s & Colitis Glossary

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Biomarkers

Molecules in the body, like proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) that may be measured by laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis and management of disease.

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Biopsy

A small piece of tissue provided to a pathologist to help diagnose and classify disease.

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C-reactive protein (CRP)

A blood test that measures inflammation in the body but doesn’t tell us whether the inflammation is linked to IBD or might be caused by something else, like a bacterial infection.

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Fecal calprotectin

A stool test for intestinal inflammation that aids in predicting active disease.

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Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)

A procedure to collect feces (also called stool or poop) from a healthy donor and introduce the collection into a patient’s gastrointestinal tract.

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Lactoferrin

A stool test for intestinal inflammation that aids in predicting active IBD.

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Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)

A blood test for the activity of an enzyme that helps in breaking down certain medications – azathioprine and 6MP – and to establish safety and proper dosing of these medications.

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Translational research

A research approach that aims to move scientific discoveries into practice, to improve human health through the development of drugs, therapies, techniques, and medical devices.