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Specimen Collection, Royal Oak - Stool for Occult Blood

Instructions

Reagents

Hemoccult Collection System

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Specimen Collection and Handling

A random stool specimen may be collected into any clean, dry vessel with a tight fitting lid, or it may be directly applied to test slides.  The specimen is sent to the laboratory for completion of the test.

Drug Guidelines

• For seven days before and during the stool collection period, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), 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, 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.

Notes

• Consult doctor or pharmacist for questions about medications the patient takes regularly.
• 100% RDA of vitamin C for an adult is 60 mg per day.
• Some iron supplements contain vitamin C in excess of 250 mg.

Patient Preparation and Instruction

Patient should follow these instructions for at least 7 days prior to and continuing through the test period:

1. For accurate test results, collect samples from three consecutive bowel movements or three bowel movements in a closely spaced time interval.
2. Do not collect sample if blood is visible in the stool or urine (e.g. menstruation, active hemorrhoids, or urinary tract infection).
3. For the most accurate test results, collect each stool sample before contact with the toilet water. If this is not possible, remove toilet bowl cleaners from the toilet tank and flush twice before proceeding.

Collection Precautions for Use of Hemoccult Slides

1. Patient specimens and all materials that come in contact with them should be handled as potentially infectious and disposed of using proper precautions.
2. Store Hemoccult slides at room temperature (15-30°C) in original packaging. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Protect from heat, light, and volatile chemicals (e.g. ammonia, bleach, household cleaners). Slides are stable until the expiration date, which appears on each slide.

Collection Procedure for Hemoccult Slides

1. Write patient’s name, hospital number, and sample collection date/time on front of the slide in the space provided.
2. Using the applicator provided, collect a small fecal sample.
3. Apply a thin smear covering Box A.
4. Reuse the applicator to obtain a second sample from a different part of the feces. Apply a thin smear to Box B.
5. Close cover flap. Dispose of applicator in waste container.
6. Deliver slide(s) to the laboratory no later than 14 days after the first sample collection.

Note for healthcare professionals: If the specimen is to be mailed, supply patient with Hemoccult mailing pouch. Adhere to U.S. Postal Service regulations for mailing diagnostic (clinical) specimens.

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Quality Control

Check expiration dates on all media.

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Contacts

Last Updated

10/16/2019