Table 5 -- Guidelines for Referral of Patients with GI Bleeding

Referral recommended

All GI bleeding presenting with hemodynamic instability or requiring transfusion

All upper GI bleeding, with the exception of a likely Mallory-Weiss tear in a patient < 40 years of age (see below)

Any hematochezia/lower GI bleeding in a patient > 40 years

Hematochezia/lower GI bleeding in a patient < 40 years of age if history is not consistent with anorectal source, or if history is consistent with ongoing infectious or inflammatory condition

Recurrent hematochezia from presumed anorectal source despite medical therapy in a patient < 40 years of age

Hemoccult-positive stool in the context of colorectal cancer screening

Iron deficiency anemia

If > 40 years of age

If < 40 years of age with no other cause (malnutrition, menses)

All obscure GI bleeding

Referral not recommended

Isolated hematemesis if history is consistent with Mallory-Weiss tear, and anemia and upper GI symptoms are absent

Hematochezia if history is consistent with anorectal source, and a fissure or bleeding hemorrhoids are seen on exam/anoscopy in a patient < 40 years of age