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Technetium-Labeled Red Blood Cell Bleeding Scan
Technetium-Labeled Red Blood Cell Bleeding Scan
Test Overview
In a technetium-labeled red blood cell bleeding scan, blood is taken from you, and a small amount of radioactive material called technetium is added to the blood. The blood with the technetium is then injected back into your bloodstream.
Red blood cells with the technetium attached to them accumulate at the location of active bleeding. A machine scans the body to find where the technetium accumulates. This method of finding bleeding is sometimes more effective than angiography. The technetium-labeled red blood cell bleeding scan may find slow bleeding that can't be seen using angiography.
The technetium-labeled red blood cell bleeding scan is used:
- If the source of the bleeding in the large intestine cannot be found using colonoscopy or other methods.
- If the bleeding is too slow or intermittent to be detected by angiography.
- If colonoscopy finds that the bleeding is coming from a spot in the small intestine and the bleeding does not stop. (The bleeding stops on its own in most people.)
- When surgery is needed to stop the bleeding. It is important to locate exactly the source of the bleeding before surgery.
Current as of: December 19, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Jerome B. Simon MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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