GI Bleed Scan

GI Bleed Scan

This exam determines if there is an active site of bleeding into the GI tract.

Preparation

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • No special preparations are required.

Procedure

  • This exam sometimes requires multiple sets of images over the course of the day.
  • An intravenous (IV) site will be started in one of your arms and a small amount of blood drawn.
  • Your blood is mixed with a radioactive tracer and reinjected through the IV to allow for the images to be taken.
  • You will be placed on a gamma camera and continuous images acquired for at least 1 hour.
  • These images may be repeated after a short break and possibly multiple times.

After the procedure

  • You will follow up with your ordering doctor.

Considerations

  • If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, contact your referring doctor.
  • Tell the technologist if you are planning to travel out of the country.