GI Bleed

What is the purpose of a GI bleed scan?
A GI bleed scan helps physicians locate gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

How is this scan performed?
An IV is started, usually in the vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is drawn. This blood is tagged with a small amount of radioactive tracer for about 30 minutes. The blood is then returned to your body through the IV.

After the injection, you will lie down on a table. A camera that can detect radioactivity will be positioned above your stomach to take photos. It is very important that you do not move during the scan. The scan will take about three hours to complete.

How do I prepare for the scan?
There are no special preparations necessary for a GI bleed scan.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After the procedure is complete, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to make an assessment of what the images show. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician within five to seven business days. If your doctor needs the results sooner, he/she may contact the nuclear medicine physician on the day of the exam.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.