Investigations

Clinical diagnosis is largely based on the patients history however investigations are useful to risk assess (by enabling calculation of risk stratification scores) and guide management.

These investigations could include:

• Full blood count
• Urea and electrolytes (a urea raised out of proportion to the creatinine can suggest a significant volume GI bleed)
• Liver function tests (to identify underlying liver disease)
• Coagulation screen
• Cross match
• Venous blood gas might help with a quick measure of the haemoglobin, but this is unreliable in active bleeding
• Imaging CT abdomen with contrast may be useful as interventional radiology may be a viable management option if endoscopy fails.