GI Investigation

Question 1

What are the appropriate bedside investigations in GI cases?

Answer 1

1) BMI
2) Pulse oximetry
3) ECG
4) Capillary glucose
5) Urinalysis

Question 2

What should be investigated with a stool sample?

Answer 2

1) Take a culture
2) Check calprotectin levels (raised in inflammatory conditions)
3) Elastase levels (indicates pancreatic insufficiency)

Question 3

What should be analysed in blood samples in GI cases?

Answer 3

1) Urea + electrolytes
2) Calcium + magnesium
3) LFT’s
4) CRP
5) TFT’s
6) FBC - WCC, anaemia
7) Coagulation

Question 4

What other phsyiology GI investigations can be carried out other than bloods?

Answer 4

1) Breath test - urea breath test for H.pylori
2) Oesophageal pH - reflux
3) Upper GI endoscopy - Biopsy or stenting
4) Colonoscopy
5) ERCP (biliary system) - stone removal, biopsy