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Gastrointestinal Bleeding (GI Bleed) Scan – WR Pediatric Imaging Procedure

What is a GI bleed scan?
A GI bleed scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that can help detect the origin of gastrointestinal bleeding.

How to prepare for a GI bleed scan?
No preparation is necessary. It is important to not have had any barium studies 48 hours prior to having a GI bleed scan. Your child may bring a security blanket/toy with him/her to hold during the procedure. 

How is a GI bleed scan performed?
You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you and your child what will happen during the examination. At this time the technologist will place an IV catheter into one of your/your child’s veins and withdraw 1–3 ml of blood. This blood is obtained and labeled with a radioactive tracer called Technetium-99m. After thirty minutes the labeled red blood cells are re-injected into your/your child’s IV, and imaging will begin for one hour. It is important that you/your child remain as still as possible during imaging for the best quality images. Additional imaging may be requested by the pediatric radiologist and may be obtained at various intervals as needed, up to approximately 24 hours.

What can be expected during the procedure?
You/your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. The needle used for the procedure is very small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected and the scan is complete, the needle will be withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape will be placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore.

Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch you/your child.

What happens after the study?
Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.

Wake Radiology Pediatrics Imaging
Used with permission: Children’s Hospital Boston