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Epic Test Code POC13 POCT Occult Blood, Stool

Specimen Type

Stool

Preferred Container

Seracult Plus
Apply thin smear of fresh stool to one side of both windows. 
Keep the slides away from heat and light after preparation

Reference Values

Reference Values: Negative

Includes

Stool Occult Blood 

Methodology

Seracult Plus

Last Updated

03-Jan-23 MS

Performing Location(s)

Bassett Healthcare Network POC Testing. Only available at POC Approved Testing Locations.

Additional Information

• It is recommended that patients be placed on a meat-free low peroxidase diet two days before the testing period to reduce the possibility of false positive results.
• Guaiac-impregnated slides are able to detect 2-4 ml of blood/100 g of feces (about twice the daily normal adult fecal loss)
• Slides may be developed immediately after specimen application. Once they have been prepared with a specimen, keep the slides away from heat and light.

Limitations

• Dietary catalases and peroxidases derived from various meats and vegetables may contribute significant positive results
• Ingestion of high doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid, in excess of 250 mg/day) has been linked to false negative results.  Intake should be discontinued two days prior to and during the testing period.

• Oral iron preparations such as iron-rich supplements have been associated with higher than normal percentage of false positive results in healthy patients.  Ingestion of therapeutic iron should be discontinued two days prior to and during the testing period.

• Certain oral medications may cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding.  Medications such as aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, corticosteroids, and reserpine should, with the consent of a physician, be discontinued 7 days prior to and during the testing period.


The greater sensitivity of Seracult® Plus may yield false positive results in healthy patients.  Such false positives may be due to the presence of interfering substances, inadequate compliance with the Special Diet or to the presence of low levels of occult blood in the feces that is common to healthy adults or to patients with gastrointestinal disease.

The IFOB (LAB2902) is not subject to dietary interferences. 

Available STAT

Only available at POC Approved Testing Locations.