Instructions for Obtaining Stool Occult Blood Test Specimens
Used to test for blood in the stool

The purpose of this test is to check the stool for small amounts of blood not apparent to the naked eye. Instructions must be followed carefully to get accurate results. The specimen kit(s) are obtained from the laboratory.

General Instructions
1. Please do not collect specimens during, or until three days after a menstrual period, or while you have bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in your urine.

2. Collected specimens may be kept at room temperature. Do not leave the slides in the heat, sunlight, or under fluorescent light.

3. Keep the cover of slide closed when not in use.

Diet: Follow the special diet for three days prior to and during the entire test period.
1. Do not eat red meat (beef, lamb), including processed meats and liver.

2. Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables (especially melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish).

3. Do not take vitamin C in excess of 250 mg. per day. Some iron supplements contain vitamin C in excess of this daily limit.

Collection Instructions
1. Have the stool kit available.

2. Pass stool (bowel movement) into a clean, dry container (may be provided). Alternately, place plastic wrap over the toilet bowl and pass stool onto the plastic. Do not allow urine or water to come in contact with the stool specimen.

3. Open the slide cover. Using one of the small sticks included in the kit, collect a small sample of the stool and thinly smear it in Box A of the slide.

4. From a different part of the stool, repeat the process using Box B. Close the slide cover. Label the slide with the collection date and time. Discard any remaining stool.

5. Collect specimens from bowel movements closely spaced in time for the number of slides you receive from the laboratory, using a separate slide for each specimen.

6. When all slide(s) are prepared, place them in the envelope provided.

7. If you were given a laboratory slip, place it in the envelope with the slide(s).

8. Return the specimen envelope by mail or bring it back to the laboratory receptionist within two days after the last specimen has been collected. Be sure your slides are labeled with your name, Kaiser Permanente medical record number, and the collection date and time before mailing or leaving the laboratory.