A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Occult Blood, Stool
Test CodeOBST TEST- NOCO
CPT Codes
82270
Preferred Specimen
Other Acceptable Specimens
Fresh stool in sterile container
Instructions
A copy of the Stool Collection Patient Instructions (located under laboratory information) should be given to the outpatient or as follows:
- Do not collect samples during, or until three days after menstrual period, bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in urine.
- Avoid for 7 days prior to testing and during stool collection period: aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Avoid for 3 days prior to testing and during stool collection period: ≥250 mg Vitamin C per day, and red meat (beef, lamb, and liver).
- If multiple tests are ordered collect specimens on different days.
- Open front of occult blood card and apply a thin smear of stool to the two squares of the card. Close and reseal.
- Label card or container (not the lid) with two patient identifiers (full name, DOB or MR) and date and time of collection.
Specimen Stability
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
Stool - Sterile container | Refrigerate | 2 hours |
Stool - Occult Blood Card | Ambient | 14 days |
Methodology
Guaiac Method
Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
Negative (reported as positive or negative)
Clinical Significance
When patient instructions are closely followed, this test is recommended as a diagnostic aid in monitoring:
• Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with iron deficiency anemia
• Recuperating from surgery, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis and other conditions
• Screening for colorectal neoplasia (carcinomas and adenomas).
This is a screening test developed as an aid to diagnosis. It is not intended to replace other diagnostic procedures such as sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema or other x-ray studies.
• Bowel lesions, including some polyps and colorectal cancers, may not bleed or may bleed intermittently.
• When blood is present in the stool, it may not be distributed evenly throughout the specimen.
• Results cannot be considered conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of gastrointestinal bleeding or disease.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with iron deficiency anemia
• Recuperating from surgery, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis and other conditions
• Screening for colorectal neoplasia (carcinomas and adenomas).
This is a screening test developed as an aid to diagnosis. It is not intended to replace other diagnostic procedures such as sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema or other x-ray studies.
• Bowel lesions, including some polyps and colorectal cancers, may not bleed or may bleed intermittently.
• When blood is present in the stool, it may not be distributed evenly throughout the specimen.
• Results cannot be considered conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of gastrointestinal bleeding or disease.
Performing Laboratory
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center Laboratory
McKee Medical Center Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory