Nuclear Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Imaging Department at United Hospital Center for a Gastrointestinal Bleeding Scan.

The indications for this exam are unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding following endoscopic evaluation of the upper and lower GI tract. You should also be actively bleeding for this test to be as accurate as possible.

Upon arrival in the department an IV will be placed in your arm and remain in place until the initial phase of the exam is complete. A small amount of your blood will be withdrawn through this IV and will be tagged with a small amount of radioactive material. This tagging procedure takes approximately thirty (30) minutes, at which time you will be positioned lying on your back under the nuclear camera.

Your tagged radioactive blood will be injected through the existing IV and imaging will begin. The IV will be taken out of your arm at this time. After the images have been acquired, they will be shown to the Radiologist, who will determine whether your exam is complete or if you will have to return for delayed images.

LENGTH: Approximately 1 hour, if delay images are not necessary.

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell your doctor and the technologist BEFORE your exam.