Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Seracult® slides, supplied

Specimen Volume: Stool specimen

Collection Instructions:  Using thin smears from 2 separate areas of stool. Forward promptly

Note: 1. Patient should not receive vitamin C, 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. Avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 7 days prior to and during the testing period.

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.

7. For multiple orders, submit stool no sooner than 24 hours.