initial investigations

Last reviewed 01/2018

The initial tests are to provide information about:

  • the presence and degree of blood loss
  • the patient's blood type to allow cross-matching

Tests should include:

  • faecal occult blood test, if bleeding is not obvious
  • haemoglobin
  • haematocrit
  • electrolytes and urea
  • group blood and cross-match 4 units