What are the tests used to detect and diagnose gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors?
Tests that examine the blood and urine are used to detect (find) and diagnose gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. The following tests and procedures may be used: • Complete blood count: A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following: • The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. • The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells. • The portion of the sample made up of red blood cells. • Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken. • Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances, such as hormones, released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substanc
