OCCULT BLOOD, STOOL, FOR OTHER THAN COLORECTAL NEOPLASM SCREENING
Test Code: LAB694
Synonym
Occult Blood Stool Non Neoplasm Screen (PHC); Hemoccult; Guaiac
Specimen Type
STOOL
Alternate Specimen Type
HEMOCCULT SENSA PACKET (BLUE STRIPED)
Preferred Volume
5 mL
Minimum Collection Volume
1 mL
Specimen Handling
Make sure the slides are labeled with patient information before submitting to the lab.
Patient Prep
Drug Guidelines: For 1 week before and during the stool collection period, avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. Acetaminophen can be taken as needed. For 3 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 3 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. Dietary iron supplements will not produce false-positive test results (verify that they do not contain vitamin C in excess of 250 mg per day).
Collection Procedure
The Hemoccult SENSA test requires only a small fecal specimen. The specimen is applied to the guaiac paper of the Hemoccult SENSA slide as a THIN SMEAR using an applicator stick. Fecal specimens should be collected from bowel movements over 3 days and used for 3 separate tests. To further increase the probability of detecting occult blood, separate samples should be taken from two different sections of each fecal specimen. One of the samples should be used for a smear in Box A of the slide and the other sample for a smear in Box B.
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimens that have been frozen or placed in preservative. Hemoccult (Yellow striped)
Temperature
Hemoccult SENSA: ambient (room temperature). If stool is submitted, it must be refrigerated.
Methodology
Colorimetric
Stability
Room Temp Hemoccult SENSA: 2 weeks; Stool: unacceptable Refrigerated Stool: 1 day Frozen (-20 °C) Unacceptable
Schedule
Daily
Place of Service
Holy Family Hospital
Department
PHFH Hematology
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