GASTROINTESTINAL BLEED
Overview
A nuclear imaging scan of your gastrointestinal (GI) system can help your physician find the source of bleeding in your intestines. During this procedure, a small sample of your blood is drawn and mixed with a radioisotope that binds to your red blood cells in a process called labeling.
The treated blood is then injected back into your arm, allowing our technologists to track where your red blood cells travel in your body and identify active bleeding sites. Images of your abdomen are captured over approximately 60 minutes during your initial two-hour appointment, and you may be asked to return later the same day for additional imaging if needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This drawn blood is mixed with a radioisotope in the lab that binds to your red blood cells. This process is called labeling. The treated blood is injected back into the vein in your arm and allows us to image where the red blood cells go in your body.
Once the radioactive blood is in your vein, the technologist will take pictures of your abdomen over a period of approximately 60 minutes.
Your appointment is usually scheduled for the morning. Your initial visit will take approximately two hours. Sometimes, you will be asked to return later in the day for additional pictures, which may require an additional 30 minutes.
A gastrointestinal (GI) bleed scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that helps physicians locate the source of bleeding in your intestines. The scan uses your own red blood cells, which are labeled with a radioisotope, to track and identify where active bleeding is occurring in your digestive system.
During the procedure, a small sample of your blood is drawn and sent to the lab where it’s mixed with a radioisotope that binds to your red blood cells. This process is called labeling. Once prepared, the treated blood is injected back into a vein in your arm, allowing our technologists to track where your red blood cells travel and detect any bleeding sites.
Your initial appointment typically takes about two hours. During this time, the technologist will capture images of your abdomen over approximately 60 minutes. Sometimes you may be asked to return later the same day for additional pictures, which would require an additional 30 minutes.
The test involves a standard blood draw and an injection, similar to having an IV placed. Most patients experience minimal discomfort. You’ll need to lie still during the imaging periods, but the procedure is non-invasive.