Home
HelpTest Code OCCULT Occult Blood, Feces
Methodology
Includes qualitative test to detect fecal occult blood based on the oxidation of guaiac.The Hemoccult® test is a rapid qualitative test for detecting fecal occult blood. It is not a test for colorectal cancer. It can be used to monitor bleeding in patients with iron deficiency anemia or recuperating from surgery, peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, and in screening programs for colorectal cancer when the special diagnostic diet is followed.
Performing Laboratory
St. Clair Hospital LaboratorySpecimen Requirements
Stool specimen on Hemoccult® slides supplied. Forward promptly at ambient temperature only.Note: 1. Patient should not receive vitamin C or ascorbic acid for 3 days prior to occult blood testing.
2. A high-bulk, meat-free diet with restriction of peroxidase-rich vegetables has been recommended for 72 hours prior to testing to decrease the incidence of false positives.
3. Alcohol, aspirin, and other gastric irritants should be avoided.
4. Fecal specimens should not be collected if hematuria or obvious rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids is present.
5. Premenopausal females should avoid collecting fecal specimens during or in the first 3 days after a menstrual period.
6. Since bleeding from gastrointestinal lesions may be intermittent, fecal specimens should be collected from 3 consecutive bowel movements or 3 bowel movements closely spaced in time.