Specimen Requirements

If gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected, at least 3 specimens from different bowel movements should be submitted for testing.

Patient should be placed on a Special Diagnostics Diet at least 72 hours prior to and during testing period. Diet may include:
1. Meats—only small amounts of well-cooked chicken, tuna, and turkey
2. Vegetables—generous amounts of both raw and cooked vegetables including carrots, celery, corn, lettuce, and spinach
3. Fruits—plenty of fruits, especially apples and prunes
4. Cereals—bran and bran containing cereals

Foods and medications to be avoided:
1. Meats—diet should not include any red or rare meat for 3 days prior to testing.
2. Avoid raw fruits or vegetables containing high peroxidase activity such as broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, horseradish, parsnips, and red radishes.
3. For 7 days prior to and during testing, do not ingest aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines.
4. For 2 days prior to and during testing, do not use rectal medicines.
5. For 3 days prior to and during testing, do not ingest any vitamin preparations which contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Stool, random

Container/Tube: Plastic container

Specimen Volume: 1 g

Collection Instructions:

1. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

2. Place specimen in a plastic, biohazard bag.

Specimen Type: Stool, random

Container/Tube: Hemoccult Collection Card

Collection Instructions:

1. Do not pass specimen into toilet; stool should be passed into a clean, dry container. Cover toilet with plastic wrap (Saran wrap) to catch specimen.
2. Front of collection card indicates “Hemoccult.” Gently lift up flap and apply a small amount of stool using wooden stick to Section A. Obtain a second specimen from a different area of stool and apply to Section B.
3. Close cover and secure under tab.
4. Label collection card with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen on front flap.
5. Place specimen in a plastic, biohazard bag and protect from heat and light.