Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Healthcare providers perform a thorough assessment that starts with you describing your symptoms. To identify the source of the bleed and how severe it is, you will need to undergo testing.

What types of testing might I need?

Initial steps may include:

• Blood tests check for signs of GI bleeds, such as anemia, using a sample of your blood.
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a lab test that checks for signs of blood in a poop sample.
• CT scan is a sophisticated imaging study that uses technology to produce 3D, enhanced views of your intestines.
• GI X-rays take images of your upper or lower digestive tract to check for signs of a bleed or other conditions. The tests use a barium contrast solution that makes it easier to see the digestive tract on the X-ray.
• Upper endoscopy is a procedure to examine symptoms of an upper GI bleed. It uses a long tube with a camera and light at the tip (endoscope).
• Balloon enteroscopyis like an endoscopy. It uses long tubes and a camera. Tiny balloons at the endoscope tip inflate to help providers examine hard-to-reach small bowel.
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is a procedure to examine signs of a lower GI bleed. The test uses endoscopes that are passed through the anus.