| Patient Preparation: |
- Do not collect samples during or until 3 days after menstrual period or if hematuria obvious rectal bleeding, e.g. hemorrhoids is present.
- For 7 days prior to and during the test period, do not take more than one adult aspirin (325 mg) a day and no other non-steroidal drugs (ibuprofen).
- For 3 days prior to and during the test period, avoid Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg/day (for all sources, dietary and supplemental, e.g. some iron supplements contain > 250 mg Vitamin C).
- For 3 days prior to and during the test period, avoid red meat, including processed meats and liver; avoid melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish.
- Remove toilet bowl cleaners from toilet tank and flush twice prior to specimen collection.
- Coumadin and other prescription medications are usually not restricted.
- Outpatient Collection: The Hemoccult II Sensa elite screening kit has all the necessary items for collection including directions for specimen collection and application. Instruct the patient to collect specimens from three consecutive (or closely spaced) bowel movements. To further increase the probability of detecting occult blood, separate samples should be taken from two different sections of each fecal specimen. Instruct the patient to return the slides immediately after completing the last test. Prepared slides may be stored up to 14 days at room temperature before developing. NOTE: Current U.S. Postal Regulations prohibit mailing completed test slides in standard paper envelopes. Use only U.S. Postal Service approved mailing pouches included in the kit.
- Inpatient Collection: For fecal collection refer to the instructions provided in the Laboratory Guide Appendix, Collection Procedures: Fecal Collection, Random/Timed. A small fecal specimen is applied to the guaiac paper of the slide as a thin smear using the applicator stick provided. Slides may be prepared and developed after 3-5 minutes.
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