Patient Preparation
Medication Guidelines
For seven days before and during the stool collection period avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, 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, and 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.
Specimen Requirements
1 Hemocult Slide
or
Raw Feces marble size
Alternate Specimen
TransportAndStorage
14 days on Slide
2 days Raw Feces Refrigerated
Collection Instructions
For accurate test results, apply samples from bowel movements collected on three different days to a slide
Do not collect samples if blood is visible in your stool or urine (e.g., menstruation, active hemorrhoids, urinary tract infection).
For the most accurate test results collect each stool sample before contact with the toilet bowl water.
You may use any clean, dry container.
Return completed slide to your doctor or laboratory no later than 14 days after your first sample collection.
Protect slide from heat, light, and volatile chemicals (iodine, ammonia, bleach, and household cleaners).
Remove toilet bowl cleaners from toilet tank and flush twice before proceeding.
Do not tear the sections apart.
Fill in sample collection date on section 1 before a bowel movement. Flush toilet and allow to refill.
Open front of section
1. Use one stick to collect a small sample. Apply a thin smear covering Box A.
2. Collect second sample from different part of stool with same stick. Apply a thin smear covering Box B.
3. Discard stick in a waste container DO NOT FLUSH STICK.
Close and secure front flap of section 1 by inserting it under tab. Store slide in any paper envelope until the next day. Important: This allows the sample to "air dry."
For patient collection instruction sheet see Addendum D
For Spanish patient collection instruction sheet see Addendum D
For Burmese patient collection instruction sheet see Addendum D