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GI Tract Diagnostic Tests Guide

This document summarizes various diagnostic studies for evaluating gastrointestinal issues, including laboratory tests, radiographic tests, and endoscopy procedures. Laboratory tests can detect electrolyte imbalances, liver dysfunction, blood in stool, and infections or anemia. Radiographic exams like barium swallows, barium enemas and CT scans visualize the GI tract using contrast agents or radiation. Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and colon using flexible tubes. Biopsies and ultrasounds can also evaluate the liver and other abdominal organs. Most procedures require fasting beforehand and monitoring after to check for complications.

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149 views4 pages

GI Tract Diagnostic Tests Guide

This document summarizes various diagnostic studies for evaluating gastrointestinal issues, including laboratory tests, radiographic tests, and endoscopy procedures. Laboratory tests can detect electrolyte imbalances, liver dysfunction, blood in stool, and infections or anemia. Radiographic exams like barium swallows, barium enemas and CT scans visualize the GI tract using contrast agents or radiation. Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and colon using flexible tubes. Biopsies and ultrasounds can also evaluate the liver and other abdominal organs. Most procedures require fasting beforehand and monitoring after to check for complications.

Uploaded by

lobna adel
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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General Revision on Gastrointestinal Tract

Written by: Hossam

Diagnostic Studies
Laboratory Tests
 The complete blood cell count (CBC) reveals if anemia or
infection is present. Anemia may occur with GI bleeding or
cancer

 Electrolyte imbalances often occur with GI illness as a result of


vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption

 Electrolyte imbalances often occur with GI illness as a result of


vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption

 Bilirubin is an excellent measure of liver and gallbladder


functioning

 Certain enzymes such aminotransferase and lactic dehydrogenase


are released by damaged liver cells

 Stool samples can be tested for Occult blood (blood not seen by
the naked eye)
Radiographic Tests
Flat Plate of the Abdomen
 Definition: An x-ray examination giving an anterior-to-posterior
view
Upper GIT (Barium Swallow):
 Definition: An x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach,
duodenum using an oral liquid radiopaque contrast medium to
outline the contours of the organs

 The patient receives nothing by mouth (NPO) for 6 to 8 hours


before the procedure

Lower GIT (Barium Enema):


♦ Definition: Is performed to visualize the position, movements, and
filling of the colon

 Inadequate bowel preparation may result in poor test results or


test cancellation

 If the patient has active inflammatory disease of the colon or


suspected perforation or obstruction, a barium enema is
contraindicated

Computed Tomography (CT):


 Definition: A beam of radiation to allow three-dimensional
visualization of abdominal structures

 The patient is NPO for 2 to 4 hours before the procedure


Angiography:
 Definition: Is ordered for patients with symptoms of arterial
occlusive disease of the hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic arterial
vessels

 Medications that might cause bleeding, such as aspirin or


anticoagulants are stopped about 1 week prior to the procedure

♦ The patient usually is NPO for 2 to 8 hours

Endoscopy:
 Definition: Uses a tube and a fiberoptic system for observing the
inside of a hollow organ or cavity

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: (Upper GIT)


 Definition: Visualizes the esophagus, the stomach and the
duodenum

 The patient is NPO for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure

 The patient is placed on the left side

 Patients are assessed for signs of perforation, which include


bleeding, fever
Colonoscopy: (Lower GIT)
 Definition: Provides visualization of the lining of the large
intestine to identify abnormalities through a flexible endoscope,
which is inserted rectally

Ultrasonography:
 Definition: The use of high-frequency sound waves through the
abdomen allows to view soft-tissue structures

Percutaneous Liver Biopsy:


 Definition: Done to identify cancer, hepatitis or other causes of
liver disease

 The physician generally inserts a needle through the skin and into
the liver to withdraw a small sample for examination

 This procedure places the patient at risk for bleeding

 The patient may be ordered nothing by mouth (NPO) for 6 to 8


hours before the procedure

 The patient lies on the right side for the first 2 hours to provide
pressure and prevent bleeding

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