Dr Henry WeiGastroenterology & Endoscopy
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Investigations

Other tests and imaging

A reason for
each investigation.

The best test is the one that answers the clinical question and can change your care. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are only part of the options.

Start with your symptoms

What are we
trying to find out?

I review what has already been tested before recommending another investigation. Sometimes the next step is treatment or observation with a review date. Sometimes a blood test, stool test, scan or specialised procedure is more useful than endoscopy.

I explain what each test can show, what it cannot exclude and how the result could change treatment. I arrange or recommend the appropriate referral, which may involve radiology or another specialist team. Availability, preparation and costs depend on the service and your circumstances.

Explore the tests ↓
Choose for the question
  1. 01
    Blood and stool tests

    Selected checks for anaemia, inflammation, infection, digestion or liver disease.

  2. 02
    Imaging

    Ultrasound, CT or MRI/MRCP can assess organs beyond the digestive lining.

  3. 03
    Specialist tests

    Liver stiffness, capsule studies, physiology tests or EUS when indicated.

Different questions, different tools

Explore the options

Open a test to see its role and limits. These are examples of investigations other than gastroscopy and colonoscopy that may help answer different clinical questions.

Blood and stool testsIs there evidence of inflammation, infection or impaired digestion?

I choose tests from your symptoms and previous results. These may include blood count and iron studies, coeliac blood tests, liver tests, stool infection tests, calprotectin or faecal elastase. FIT has a separate role in bowel screening and symptom triage. No single panel checks every digestive condition.

UltrasoundCould this be gallstones, a bile-duct or liver problem?

Ultrasound uses sound waves and is useful for gallstones and some liver or bile-duct findings. Bowel gas and body habitus can limit views. It is not a complete examination of the pancreas or the bowel lining.

CTDo we need an overview of deeper organs or a suspected complication?

CT uses X-rays to make cross-sectional images. The protocol and possible contrast injection depend on the question. Tell the team if you could be pregnant.

MRI and MRCPDo we need a closer look at soft tissue or the ducts?

MRI uses a magnetic field rather than ionising radiation. MRCP displays the bile and pancreatic ducts. The imaging team checks implants and other safety details. Some scans need contrast; preparation and suitability are assessed individually.

Liver stiffness testingIs there a risk of significant liver scarring?

A liver stiffness examination, often called FibroScan, adds information about fibrosis risk. It is interpreted alongside blood tests, history and scan quality. Fat on ultrasound alone does not establish the amount of scarring.

Selected specialist investigationsIs there a question routine endoscopy or imaging has not answered?

Examples include EUS for the pancreas and nearby structures, capsule endoscopy for selected small-bowel questions, or physiology tests for swallowing, reflux or bowel-emptying problems. A capsule cannot take biopsies or remove polyps and is unsuitable in some people with suspected narrowing.

Small bowel

Beyond routine
endoscopy.

Compare capsule cameras, CT/MR enterography and targeted enteroscopy.

Explore the small-bowel guide ↗Pancreas

Symptoms, screening
and family risk.

Why imaging can add information, and who may benefit from specialist surveillance.

Read the guide ↗Before a test

Costs and
insurance cover.

Check the estimate, prior approval and any amount you will need to pay.

Read the practical FAQs ↗

Arrange an appointment

Assessment of digestive symptoms, endoscopy and advice on further investigations. Auckland appointments and telehealth.

Contact our team