Internal bleeding requires careful testing to identify the source and severity of the issue. Here's how medical professionals typically approach testing for internal bleeding, based on the reference provided by Mayo Clinic:
Diagnostic Tests for Internal Bleeding
The following tests are used to detect and diagnose the location and cause of internal bleeding:
Blood Tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A low red blood cell count could indicate blood loss.
- Coagulation Tests: These assess how quickly your blood clots. Abnormal results can point to bleeding disorders or clotting issues.
- Platelet Count: This measures the number of platelets, essential for blood clotting. Low counts can lead to excessive bleeding.
- Liver Function Tests: These tests can help determine if liver disease is contributing to bleeding, as the liver is involved in producing clotting factors.
Stool Tests
Stool samples can be examined for the presence of blood, which is an indicator of internal bleeding in the digestive tract.
Gastrointestinal Procedures
These procedures are used to visualize the inside of the digestive tract to locate and assess bleeding sources.
- Nasogastric Lavage: This involves inserting a tube through the nose into the stomach to check for the presence of blood and to flush out any stomach contents that could be obscuring visualization.
- Upper Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). This can help identify ulcers, lesions, or other causes of bleeding.
- Colonoscopy: This procedure involves using an endoscope to examine the entire colon and rectum. It helps identify sources of bleeding like polyps, tumors, or inflammation in the large intestine.
- Capsule Endoscopy: The patient swallows a small, camera-equipped capsule that takes images as it passes through the small intestine. This helps to diagnose bleeding in areas not easily accessible by traditional endoscopes.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy, but this procedure only examines the lower portion of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum).
- Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy: This method uses a specialized endoscope with balloons to access and visualize deeper portions of the small intestine, aiding in the diagnosis of less common causes of internal bleeding.
Summary
Testing for internal bleeding involves a combination of blood tests and visual procedures aimed at identifying the source and cause of the bleeding. If you suspect internal bleeding, seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
