Home
HelpTest Code OCCB Occult Blood in Feces Guaiac method
Specimen Type
Feces (stool specimen) collected on Hemoccult card
If Hemoccult cards are not available, the stool specimen can be submitted in a plastic urine container.
Container/Tube
Sterile container
Turnaround Time
24 hours
STAT Days and Times Performed
Not Available
Days and Times Performed
24/7
Method Name
Guaiac Method
UCMC Collection Instructions
Patient given diet guidelines which include no red meat for 3 days prior to test and with restriction to oxidase rich vegetables (turnips, horseradish, artichokes, mushrooms, radishes, bean sprouts, cauliflower, oranges, apples, bananas, cantaloupes, grapes). Alcohol and aspirin especially together along with other gastric irritants should be avoided.
Test Limitations
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) may cause false negative results.
Additional Information
Some oral medications (e.g. aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, corticosteroids, reserpine, etc.) can cause G. I. irritation and occult bleeding in some patients. The Occult Blood Feces, Guaiac method (Hemoccult Sensa) is used for suspected upper GI bleeding. The Occult Blood Feces, Immunochemical method (Hemoccult ICT) may fail to detect upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, producing a negative result. Therefore the Occult Blood, Feces Guaiac Method (Hemoccult Sensa) is used for suspected upper GI bleeding and Hemoccult ICT is used for suspected lower GI bleeding.
Fee Code
53461
Synonyms
Hemoccult
CPT
82270
Reference Values
Negative for Blood