Gastrointestinal Blood Loss Scan

Gastrointestinal Blood Loss Scan is a topic covered in the Davis's Lab & Diagnostic Tests.

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Synonym/Acronym:
Gastrointestinal bleed localization study, GI scintigram, GI bleed scintigraphy, lower GI blood loss scan.

Rationale
To detect areas of active GI bleeding or hemorrhage to facilitate surgical intervention or medical treatment. Usefulness is limited in emergency situations because of time constraints in performing the scan.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. No other radionuclide scans or procedures using barium contrast medium should be scheduled within 24 to 48 hr before this procedure. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

  • Normal distribution of radionuclide in the large vessels with no extravascular activity

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions

  • GI bleed

Timely notification to the requesting health-care provider (HCP) of any critical findings and related symptoms is a role expectation of the professional nurse. A listing of these findings varies among facilities.

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Synonym/Acronym:
Gastrointestinal bleed localization study, GI scintigram, GI bleed scintigraphy, lower GI blood loss scan.

Rationale
To detect areas of active GI bleeding or hemorrhage to facilitate surgical intervention or medical treatment. Usefulness is limited in emergency situations because of time constraints in performing the scan.

Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. No other radionuclide scans or procedures using barium contrast medium should be scheduled within 24 to 48 hr before this procedure. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

  • Normal distribution of radionuclide in the large vessels with no extravascular activity

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions

  • GI bleed

Timely notification to the requesting health-care provider (HCP) of any critical findings and related symptoms is a role expectation of the professional nurse. A listing of these findings varies among facilities.

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