GI Blood Loss Study (NFOCC)

Please complete your appointment details FROM YOUR APPOINTMENT LETTER and bring this leaflet with you.

What is 'nuclear medicine'?

Nuclear medicine refers to the medical use of radioactive tracers for the diagnosis and sometimes treatment, of medical conditions.

Nuclear medicine tests are helpful to diagnose a wide variety of illnesses. The clinician that referred you to nuclear medicine will have already explained to you the reasons for having this test.

This leaflet is to explain your scan and provide you with some general information. The procedure will be fully explained to you when you attend. We are happy to provide additional information before hand and our contact details are on the back of this leaflet.

Benefits of nuclear medicine tests and are they dangerous?

Nuclear medicine procedures are commonly used diagnostic tools that utilise ionising radiation to obtain important clinical information.

There are small risks associated with the use of ionising radiation. Ionising radiation can cause cell damage that can, after many years or decades, contribute to the development of cancerous cells. This procedure carries only a very small chance of this happening to you.

Your doctor will have considered the risk and benefits of having the test before referring you to us. The benefits of the test outweigh the potential risk.

Will it hurt?

No more than a blood test. There are no side effects from the tracer injection, and no restrictions following the test. You will be able to continue with your usual daily activities.

What is a GI blood loss study?

This study is used asses how much blood is being lost through the gastrointestinal tract.

Do I need to prepare for the test?

No. You may eat and drink normally before the test, and continue taking any medication.

How is the test carried out?

Arrival: On arrival a cannula (a small flexible needle) will be inserted into a vein in your arm. A sample of blood will be taken and labelled with a radioactive tracer.

WAIT: There will be a waiting period of 2 hours until the labelled blood is ready to reinject. During this time you will be able to leave the department.

Re-Injection: When you return to us we will then re-inject the labelled blood through your cannula. Samples: A blood sample will be taken approximately 15 minutes after your blood is re-injected. You are asked to collect all your stools for the next 7 days. Suitable containers will be provided.

In order to obtain accurate results it is important that you collect complete stools. Please store all samples in a cool place (preferably a freezer). After 7 days you will need to return all samples to the department. You will also have another blood test on this day.

You may then be asked to continue collecting further stool samples and come in for more blood tests for up to 2 weeks. You will be advised if this is necessary.

How long will the test take?

Up to three hours may be required on the day of your arrival.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is usual to avoid radioactive tests during pregnancy. Small amounts of some radioactive substances may appear in breast milk. Patients who are breast feeding and those that know, or suspect that they are pregnant should contact the department before attending to discuss this further and should also inform the department upon arrival.

What happens after the test?

You are free to go home or return to your ward. There are no restrictions following this test. Your results will be reported and available from your referring clinician/ team or GP within 3 weeks after your appointment.

Family / friends

Due to the small size of the waiting area in Nuclear Medicine we ask that you please limit the number of people accompanying you for your visit.

Travelling abroad?

Please be aware that most airports have sensitive radiation monitors which detect very small amounts of radiation and may detect a residue trace from your test. We advise you keep and travel with your appointment letter if you are travelling within the next few days.

How to find / contact the department

The Nuclear Medicine department is located on level 3, in the outpatient end of the hospital. If you have any queries or cannot make your appointment please contact the department as soon as possible on 01223 217145.