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Order Code Occ Bl 3 Occult Blood Fecal Multiple

Additional Codes

Epic Order ID LAB9229

Sub activity Type

Immunology

Stability

Stable 14 days at room temperature (15-30°C) after being applied to the test card

Principle

This test is based on the oxidation of guaiac by hydrogen peroxide to a blue-colored compound. The heme portion of hemoglobin has peroxidase activity (active component of the developer) to form a highly conjugated blue quinone compound.

Collection Instructions

Inpatients:

  • Collect 3 random stool samples in clean dry containers ideally from 3 different days. Send directly to lab.

Outpatients or reference specimens:

  • Follow this procedure for 3 seperate collections, ideally on different days. Deliver to lab within 10 days of the first collection.
  1. Collect a random stool sample in a clean dry container.
  2. Using a pen, fill in the patient information on the spaces provided.
  3. Using the applicator stick provided, collect a small fecal sample. Apply a thin smear covering box A.
  4. Using the same stick, obtain a second sample of a different part from the collection container. Apply a thin smear covering box B.
  5. Close cover flap.
  6. Deliver to lab.

Patient Limitations

Patient Notes

  • For accurate test results, apply samples from bowel movements collected on three different days to slide.
  • Do not collect sample if blood is visible in your stool or urine (e.g., menstruation, active hemorrhoids, urinary tract infection). Contact your doctor.
  • For the most accurate test results collect each stool sample before contact with the toilet bowl water. You may use any clean, dry container.
  • Return completed slides to laboratory no later than 10 days after your first sample collection.
  • Protect slides from heat, light, and volatile chemicals (e.g., ammonia, bleach, bromine, iodine, household cleaners).
  • Remove toilet bowl cleaners from toilet tank and flush twice before proceeding.

Drug Guidelines

  • For seven days before and during the stool collection period, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin (more than one adult aspirin a day).
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol*) can be taken as needed.
  • For three days before and during the stool collection period, avoid vitamin C in excess of 250 mg a day from supplements, and citrus fruits and juices. Diet Guidelines
  • For three days before and during stool collection period, avoid red meats (beef, lamb and liver).
  • Eat a well balanced diet including fiber such as bran cereals, fruits and vegetables.

Interfering substances

  • False Positive
    • Increased ingestion of red meat (beef, lamb, or liver)
    • Asprin (greater than 32 mg/day) or other NSAIDS including ibuprofen
    • Excess alcohol intake
    • Application of iodine in an area that could contaminate the sample
  • False Negative
    • Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg/day

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