Occult Blood, Screening
Used for Screening purposes see test code OCCDIA for diagnostic test.

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

OCCSCR

73593;
Guiac

1 gram stool – in a sterile container (or)
Occult blood test card

Patients should not ingest foods, drugs, vitamins or other substances which can cause false-positive or false-negative test results for at least 48 hours before and through the test period. Patients should be carefully instructed to avoid substances that can cause false test results. Foods to eat include: Well-cooked pork, poultry, and fish. Any cooked fruits and vegatables, high fiber foods (e.g. whole wheat bread, bran cereal, popcorn).

Foods, Drugs and Vitamins to avoid include: Red meat (beef, lamb) including processed meats and liver. Any raw fruits and vegetables (especially melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish). Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg/day, Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (avoid for 7 days prior to and during the test period). NOTE: acetaminophen is acceptable.

Sample may be collected with the aid of a container or toilet tissue. A thin smear of the fecal material should be applied to the window on the back of the card using an applicator stick. A specimen from a different area of the stool should be in the second window. Fecal specimens should not be collected from patients with blood in their urine or obvious rectal bleeding (such as hemorrhoids). Pre-menopausal women should avoid collecting fecal samples during or in the first three days after a menstrual period.

Stool – sterile container (or)
Occult blood test card

Room Temperature

14 days on Hemoccult Card

Samples >14 days old

Monday - Friday
BS

1 day

Certain foods or drugs may interfer with this test. See instruction section.

The fecal occult blood test detects peroxidase activity from blood in fecal samples. This is a useful screening aid for detecting primarily lower gastrointestinal (G.I) disorders that may be related to diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, polyps, adenomas, colorectal cancers or other G.I. lesions that can bleed. It is recommended for use by health professionals as part of routine physical examinations and in screening for colorectal cancer or other sources of lower G.I. bleeding.