The tests that are considered to evaluate of the passage of<unk>  in the<unk>  are based on the characteristics of bleeding (color, quantity) and whether or not the person passing<unk>  has a low<unk>  pressure with elevated heart rate, as opposed to normal vital signs. The following tests are combined to determine the causes of the source of bleeding. * Digital rectal exam (DRE) and fecal occult<unk>  test (FOBT) * Colonoscopy * Anoscopy * Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) * Capsule endoscopy * CT Scan Melena is defined as dark, tarry<unk> s, often black in color due to partial digestion of the RBCs. Hematochezia is defined as bright red<unk>  seen in the toilet either inside of, or surrounding the<unk> . Hematochezia is typically presumed to come from the lower portion of the GI tract, and the initial steps of diagnosis include a DRE with FOBT, which if positive, will lead to a colonoscopy. If the person has a large amount of<unk>  in their<unk> , an EGD test may be necessary. If no source of active bleeding is found on these examinations, a capsule endoscopy may be performed, in order to more closely examine the small bowel, which cannot be seen with the other types of studies. With melena, a DRE with FOBT is often also performed, however the suspicion for a source from the upper GI tract is higher, leading first to the use of EGD with the other tests being required if no source is identified. The anoscopy is another type of examination, which can be used along with a colonoscopy, which exams the rectum and distal portion of the descending colon. Color Medical term Frequency Quantity Examples of types of bleeding considered Bright red Hematochezia Occasional occurrence of<unk>  Small Hemorrhoids, inflammatory conditions, polyps Bright red Hematochezia Increased<unk> ing,<unk>  with every<unk>  Large Rapid bleeding, e.g. ulcer, varices Dark red/black Melena<unk>  with every<unk>  Difficult to measure, mixed in with<unk>  Slow bleeding, cancer, ulcer, (peptobismol and iron use can be mimics) Other features Mucus may also be found in<unk> . A texture described as tarry<unk>  is generally associated with dark black<unk>  seen in partially digested<unk> . This is generally associated with melena. Patient age A person's age is an important consideration when assessing the cause of the bleeding. Age Group Types of bleeding considered 60 years Elderly Vascular malformation, liver disease, cancer
Blood in stool
Fecal vomiting
Nipple discharge
Bloating
Rectal bleeding
Rectal discharge
Abdominal pain
Rectal pain