Specimen Requirement (s)

Patient Preparation:

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.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Stool, fresh

Container/Tube: 4.5-oz. screw-capped, plastic container

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

1. Stool specimen should not be collected if hematuria or obvious rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids is present.

2. Premenopausal female should avoid collecting stool specimen during or in the first 3 days after a menstrual period.

3. Since bleeding from gastrointestinal lesions may be intermittent, 3 separate stool specimens should be submitted, collected from 3 consecutive bowel movements or 3 bowel movements closely spaced in time.

Specimen Type: Stool

Container/Tube: Single slide

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect stool specimen following instructions in kit.

2. Stool specimen should not be collected if hematuria or obvious rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids is present.

3. Premenopausal female should avoid collecting stool specimen during or in the first 3 days after a menstrual period.

4. Since bleeding from gastrointestinal lesions may be intermittent, 3 separate stool specimens should be submitted, collected from 3 consecutive bowel movements or 3 bowel movements closely spaced in time.