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HelpEpic Test Code LAB696 Gastric Occult Blood
Performing Location(s)
BMC
Specimen Type
Gastric Contents, vomitis or nasogastric
Preferred Container
Sterile Container
Alternate Container
Random Urine Tube
Volume Required
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Transportation Needs
Deliver to laboratory immediately
Storage Requirements
Refrigerate up to 5 days if analysis will be delayed
Causes for Rejection
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Insufficient quantity
Grossly bloody
> 24 hours at Room Temperature
> 5 days Refrigerated
Limitations
Results can only be regarded as preliminary screening or as an aid to diagnosis and cannot be considered conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding or pathology. Many foods contain peroxidase activity which can produce a positive result.
Reference Values
| Population | Units | Reference Range |
| All Populations | none | Negative |
Days of Analysis
All
Available STAT
Yes
Includes
Specimen is tested for the presence of blood using Gastroccult slide
Additional Information
Patient Preparation:
Patient should avoid antacids at least 1 hour before specimen is collected and abstain from taking vitamin C for 3 days prior to testing.
Methodology
Guaiac and hydrogen peroxide
CPT Code
82271
Last Updated
5-Jan-23 BHD