Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation:

Patient should observe the following drug and diet guidelines prior to specimen collection:
1. For 7 days before and during stool collection period, avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin (more than 1 adult aspirin a day). Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be taken as needed.
2. For 3 days before and during stool collection period, avoid vitamin C in excess of 250 mg/day from supplements, and citrus fruits and juices.
3. For 3 days before and during stool collection period, avoid red meats (beef, lamb, and liver).

Submit 1 of the following specimens:
 
Preferred:
Hemoccult® Sensa Card
Container/Tube: Hemoccult® Sensa card
Specimen Volume: Adequate amount of stool from a random collection
Collection Instructions: Follow instructions provided with Hemoccult® Sensa card.

Alternate:
Random Stool
Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.
 
Container/Tube: Tightly-sealing, leakproof container(s)

Specimen Volume: Fresh, unpreserved stool from a random collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect fresh, unpreserved stool.

2. If specimen is collected in a bedpan or collection “hat,” patient should urinate into another container before stool specimen is collected.
Note: 1. Do not collect specimen from toilet.
2. Specimen in diaper is not acceptable. Stool material should be scraped into a clean, dry container. Pediatric patients with severe diarrhea may use a U-Bag collection system. Place U-Bag over urethra to prevent urine from contaminating specimen.

3. The following specimens will not be tested:
A. Stool >2 hours old
B. Contaminated with water or urine

4. Specimen source is required.