Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan

Your physician has requested that you have a G.I. Bleed Scan. This test is a simple, non-invasive way to evaluate your abdominal cavity for bleeding in the colon. There is no preparation for this scan. There are no dietary restrictions after the examination. The test requires you to receive an injection in an arm vein. This injection consists of a very small amount of the radioactive element called Technetium mixed with your blood. The radioactivity associated with the G.I. Bleed scan is negligible and there are no ill effects from it.

Approximate time in Nuclear Medicine 1.5 hours.

To outline our requirements, you will:

1. After registration report to Medical Imaging and check-in with our receptionist
2. You will be taken to Nuclear Medicine where a history will be taken.
3. You will be escorted to the examining room.
4. You will be positioned on your back on a scanning table.
5. An I.V. will started in your arm.
6. Once the I.V. has been started a small amount of blood will be withdrawn.
7. Your blood will be mixed with the radioactive tracer Technetium for 25 minutes.
8. After your blood has been mixed you will re-injected with this mixture.
9. You will lie quietly for 60 minutes while your abdomen is photographed.
10. Images will be reviewed by the Radiologist, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
11. Additional pictures may be requested at the discretion of the reviewing Radiologist.
12. If additional images are required they will be taken at 4 and 24 hours, if needed, post injection.
13. Once the test is complete you will be released from Nuclear Medicine.
14. The Radiologist will read the test and the results will be sent to the ordering physician.

Note: Inpatients will be transported directly to Nuclear Medicine for this test.