Warning: the next information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise about your physician. it should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe or effective for you. Consult you're pharmacist before using it drug.

Fecal occult blood test

(fee-kull oh-cult blood test)

common brand names: Gastroccult, Hemoccult

Gastroccult Usage: this test is used to check for blood in stool. this is also used to money for other stomach or intestinal disorders.

How to use Gastroccult: in general, stool samples are collected & smeared o the slides provided. slides returned for processing. Closely follow the instructions below to ensure accurate test results. Read patient instructions provided & be sure to ask your health care provider any questions you may have. With pen, fill in your name, address and age on the front of each slide. After bowel movement, take one slide and write the date of sample. Open slide 1. Use the stick provided to collect a small piece about stool & apply a thin smear to Box a. With same stick, take another sample from another part of the stool and place thin smear inside Box B. Discard stick. Close cover of slide & store this in a paper envelope. Repeat this process for your next 2 bowel movements to complete slides 2 and 3. When third slide is complete, return the slides to doctor's office or laboratory as directed.

Gastroccult side effects: their are no side effects associated with use about it test. However, handle all stool samples with caution. Properly dispose of sample sticks, gallery cups & other items that come in contact with the stool. Wash hands thoroughly after completing each test. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your pharmacist or physician.

Gastroccult Precautions: do not collect stool samples during or until 5 days after youre menstrual period or if you have bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in your urine. Because chemicals may affect test, remove toilet bowl cleaners from toilet tank & flush 2 times before collecting stool sample.

Gastroccult drug interactions: Tell your pharmacist of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Avoid the use of aspirin or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication for 7 days before & during the test period. Use acetaminophen if necessary. Be aware that cough-and-cold & other combination tablets may contain aspirin or anti-inflammatory agents. large doses of Vitamin C (above 250mg) can affect results of it test. Avoid Vitamin C supplements for 3 days prior to test & watch some your dietary intake of vitamin C as well (citrus fruits, juices). If you take an iron supplement, dollars to look if it contains vitamin C. next foods may also affect test results. Avoid them for 3 days prior & during test period: red meat, liver, processed meats, raw fruits & vegetables (especially melon), turnip, radishes, horseradish. do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or physician approval.

Gastroccult Overdose: in case of accidental ingestion, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Gastroccult special notes: your doctor may recommend a special diet to be followed for 2 days prior to test and during the test period. diet, high in roughage, can increase the accuracy about it test be helping to detect intermittent bleeding. Discuss this with youre pharmacist.

If you missed Gastroccult dose: this test is usually done using 3 consecutive or closely spaced bowel movements. this increases accuracy about test since bleeding canbe sporadic. If you miss collecting a bowel movement, try to collect and test the next one. If you miss more then 2 days at row, contact your physician for further instructions.

Gastroccult Storage: Store the test & supplies at room temperature between 59 & 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat, light & chemicals or cleaning products. do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep slides closed when not in use.

Active Ingredients : Fecal Occult