What tests are needed for gastrointestinal bleeding?

Sep 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Huang Yuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, patients with gastrointestinal bleeding need to undergo professional examinations to determine the cause and severity of the condition. Commonly used tests include gastroscopy, complete blood count, fecal occult blood test, liver and kidney function tests, and abdominal ultrasound. In addition, based on the patient's specific condition, coagulation function tests and CT scans may also be performed. Meanwhile, patients should fast and avoid drinking water during the examination period to prevent food irritation from exacerbating the bleeding.

Under normal circumstances, patients with gastric bleeding need to undergo professional examinations to determine the cause and severity of the condition. Commonly used examinations include gastroscopy, complete blood count (CBC), fecal occult blood test, liver and kidney function tests, and abdominal ultrasound. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy allows direct visualization of the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, enabling clear identification of bleeding sites such as ulcers, ruptured blood vessels, and tumors. During the examination, a flexible tube equipped with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the digestive tract. Doctors can assess the morphology and size of the bleeding site through real-time imaging and may also collect tissue samples during the procedure for pathological analysis, helping determine whether the bleeding is related to malignant lesions.

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC primarily measures indicators such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. Gastric bleeding leads to blood loss, causing decreases in red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels; changes in these values can help estimate the volume of bleeding. Additionally, platelet count reflects coagulation function. A low platelet count may indicate a coagulation disorder, which should be corrected simultaneously during hemostatic treatment to prevent ongoing bleeding.

3. Fecal Occult Blood Test

This test is used to detect occult (hidden) gastric bleeding. When the volume of bleeding is small, there may be no obvious change in stool appearance, but trace amounts of blood may be present in the stool. The test chemically detects hemoglobin in the stool; a positive result indicates minor bleeding in the digestive tract, which can help identify early gastric mucosal lesions or bleeding issues, especially suitable for patients with nonspecific symptoms.

4. Liver and Kidney Function Tests

Liver and kidney function tests involve measuring indicators such as transaminases, bilirubin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Some cases of gastric bleeding are related to esophageal and gastric varices caused by liver cirrhosis. Abnormal liver function indicators can suggest liver disease; kidney function indicators reflect renal metabolism. Prolonged or massive bleeding may impair kidney perfusion, leading to kidney damage. These tests help detect and prevent complications promptly.

5. Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound can visualize the structure of abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. If gastric bleeding is caused by biliary or pancreatic diseases (e.g., cholecystitis, pancreatitis), ultrasound can detect inflammation or stones in these organs. Moreover, ultrasound can identify liver abnormalities such as cirrhosis or tumors, helping doctors determine if the bleeding is related to intra-abdominal organ pathology and providing reference for overall condition assessment.

In addition, depending on the patient's specific condition, coagulation function tests and CT scans may also be performed. Patients should fast and abstain from drinking during the examination period to avoid food-induced irritation that could worsen the bleeding.

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What is the best way to treat gastrointestinal bleeding?

Under normal circumstances, gastric bleeding may be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption irritating the gastric mucosa, taking medications that damage the gastric mucosa, acute erosive gastritis, gastric ulcers, or rupture of esophageal and gastric varices. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment and medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, alcohol consumption should be avoided, medications that damage the gastric mucosa should be used cautiously, and a regular diet should be maintained.

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Why is there no symptom of gastrointestinal bleeding?

In general, cases of gastric bleeding without symptoms may be caused by minimal blood loss that does not produce discomfort, slow bleeding allowing the body to gradually adapt, chronic non-atrophic gastritis, early-stage gastric ulcer, or compensated cirrhosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a bland and easily digestible diet, and consume more foods such as porridge and soft noodles.

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What is gastric bleeding?

Under normal circumstances, gastric bleeding, medically known as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, is one of the common emergencies in gastroenterology. It refers to bleeding occurring from the esophagus to the duodenum. In daily life, one should maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating, reduce consumption of spicy or excessively hot foods, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption and the misuse of medications that can damage the gastric mucosa. Symptoms such as hematemesis (vomiting blood) and melena (black stool) may occur.

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What Are the Three Types of Food Most Feared for Gastric Bleeding?

Generally speaking, there is no specific claim regarding "the three types of food most feared in gastrointestinal bleeding." Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, hard or coarse foods, excessively hot foods, greasy and hard-to-digest foods, as well as alcoholic beverages. These types of food may worsen gastric mucosal damage, exacerbate bleeding, or impair recovery. During the recovery phase of gastrointestinal bleeding, the diet should primarily consist of cool, soft, and easily digestible foods.