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Initial investigations

Authoring team

The initial tests are to provide information about:

  • the presence and degree of blood loss
  • the patient's blood type to allow cross-matching

Tests should include:

  • faecal occult blood test, if bleeding is not obvious
  • haemoglobin
  • haematocrit
  • electrolytes and urea
  • group blood and cross-match 4 units

Reference

  1. Sengupta N, Feuerstein JD, Jairath V, et al. Management of patients with acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: an updated ACG guideline. Am J Gastroenterol. 2023 Feb 1;118(2):208-31.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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