Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Healthy Choice News

Site Map Links

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

Bleeding in the GI tract may be discovered with a routine test of the stool for blood that is often part of a complete physical exam. In other cases, a person complains of blood in the stool. In some cases, the history and physical exam are all that is needed to determine the cause, such as with visible hemorrhoids.

In most cases, further testing is needed, and may include:

a CBC, or complete blood count

endoscopy to locate the source of bleeding. This is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a light and camera on the end of it. The tube can be inserted into the mouth or anus and advanced into the GI tract. The camera on the end of the tube allows the provider to see the inside lining of the GI tract.

special x-ray tests or additional tests to detect bleeding

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement