1. Before using Hemoccult, the patient should carefully read the manufacturer's instructions available with the kit.
2. Factors that could interfere with the results of the test include :
-Medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, vitamin C, iron, medications used rectally, and mineral oil laxatives.
-A meal including rare cooked red meat eaten two days prior to the test.
-Blood in the urine.
-Bleeding caused by menstruation, constipation and/or hemorroids.
-Agents used to clean or deodorize the toilet.
3. To prepare for the test, the following measures should be taken :
-Do not eat red meat in excess for two days prior to the test.
-Stop taking vitamin C.
-Ask physician about stopping any medications that you feel may interfere with the test results.
-Do not use the test if you are bleeding due to menstruation,Êconstipation and/or hemorroids.
-All cleaning and deodorizing agents must be removed from the toilet.
-patient envelopes with instructions for diet and sample collection
-mailing pouch for returning completed slides
-collection tissues
-hemoccult product instructions
1. Complete identification information on the front of each slide.
2. Have a bowel movement, and collect a small amount of stool sample on one end of an applicator.
3. Apply a thin smear inside Box A.
4. Reuse the same applicator to obtain a second sample from a different part of the stool. Apply a thin smear inside Box B.
5. Close the cover of the slide.
6. If testing immediately, wait 3-5 minutes before you apply 1 drop of Hemoccult Developer between the positive and negative performance areas.
7. Read results within 10 seconds. A blue color will appear in the positive performance monitor area, and no blue color will apear in the negative performance monitor area. To interpret the results, compare them to the color photos under "Interpreting the Hemoccult Test".
8. Return all slides to your physician in the special included mailing pouch.
1. As a precaution, check to see if chemicals are present in the water that might have given a false positive result.
2. A positive result means only that there is blood present in the stool. It does not mean that you have colorectal cancer. Only diagnostic testing from a physician can determine the cause of the bleeding.
3. Consider that there are other factors that can cause a false positive result such as diet and/or certain medications.
4. The patient should contact a physician for an appointment as soon as possible for diagnostic testing.
The amount of blood in the stool was insignificant. However, if any of the following signs or symptoms occur, the patient should see their physician.
1. Any diarrhea,constipation or unexplained weight loss for a period of greater than two weeks. 2. Any visible sign of blood in the stool and/or bowel or stomach pain.