Blood Tests for GI Bleeding: What to Expect

Complete blood count (CBC)

* Measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood.

* A low red blood cell count (anemia) can be a sign of bleeding in the GI tract.

Serum iron

* Measures the amount of iron in your blood.

* Low serum iron levels can be a sign of bleeding in the GI tract.

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

* Measures the amount of iron that your blood can carry.

* A high TIBC can be a sign of iron deficiency, which can be caused by bleeding in the GI tract.

Stool occult blood test

* Checks for hidden (occult) blood in your stool.

* A positive stool occult blood test can be a sign of bleeding in the GI tract.

Upper GI endoscopy

* A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine).

* This procedure can be used to diagnose the source of bleeding in the GI tract.

Colonoscopy

* A procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into your colon (large intestine).

* This procedure can be used to diagnose the source of bleeding in the GI tract.