What is a Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan and what does it do?
This scan detects and localizes bleeding sites in patients with active or intermittent gastrointestinal bleeding. This usually presents as low red blood cell counts in labs and/or blood in stool.
This study is indicated for detection and localization of secondary blood loss as in blood pooling in peritoneal cavity or ruptured arterial venous supplies as well as actively bleeding sites, for patients with portal hypertension (caused by obstruction of blood flow through the liver, and hypertension to abdominal collateral vessels.
Who performs the test?
The Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). All of the Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.
Where does it take place?
The Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.
How long does it take?
The time for the entire test is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
- Bring a copy of your physicians order with you to your appointment.
What should I do before the exam?
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
- Bring a copy of your physicians order with you to your appointment.
What happens during the exam?
- When you arrive at your appointment an intravenous line (IV) will be started.
- Blood will be drawn from this IV line and tagged with a radioisotope. This tagging process takes 30 minutes.
- Once the blood has been tagged, it is then injected back into the IV line.
- Imaging will be performed for approximately 60 minutes in the Nuclear Medicine department.
What should I do after the exam?
- Your IV line will be removed.
- Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when the Radiologist’s report is complete.
Contact Information:
Hospital (main operator): (850) 526-2200
Nuclear Medicine Department: (850) 718-2584
Radiology Department (at hospital): (850) 718-2580
4250 Hospital Drive • Marianna, Florida 32446-1917 • 850-526-2200