GI Bleed (Gastrointestinal Bleeding Study)

Information for our Nuclear Medicine Patients

* Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Overview

This test aids in the localization of the site of a gastrointestinal bleed.

Indications

Localization of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal bleeding sites

GI Bleed (Gastrointestinal Bleeding Study)

A GI Bleed study involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.

You will be positioned next to a special detector called a gamma camera. The camera does not produce any radiation. It will be placed close to the part of your body being imaged.

Patient Preparation

None.

Procedure

Using a vein in your arm a small blood sample will be taken from which your red blood cells will be tagged with a small amount of radioactive material. Painless images will be obtained over the course of 1 hour. If an area of bleeding is not visualized, delayed images may be needed.

Further Information

Contact Terre Haute Medical Laboratory Nuclear Medicine at 812.238.7542