Investigations

• blood count ^a
• clotting screen ^d
• group and save serum, or cross-match 2 to 6 units depending on blood loss ^d
• urea, electrolytes and creatinine ^a  
• liver function tests ^d

• a central venous catheter to monitor fluid resuscitation ^d
• a urinary catheter to monitor urine output ^d

In patients found to have peptic ulcer disease, test for Helicobacter pylori

• The most helpful tests are:
  • CLO test ^c  
  • histology looking for antral inflammation ^c and H. pylori bacteria ^a  
  • urease breath test ^a   
  • ELISA ^a