Gastroccult

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Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Gastroccult

Uses
This test is used to check for blood in the stool. It is also used to check for other stomach or intestinal disorders.

Notes

Your doctor may recommend a special diet to be followed for 2 days prior to the test and during the test period.
The diet, high in roughage, can increase the accuracy of this test be helping to detect intermittent bleeding.
Discuss this with your doctor.

Storage

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

Gastroccult

How To Use

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

Side Effects

There are no side effects associated with the use of this test.
However, handle all stool samples with caution.
Properly dispose of sample sticks, collection cups and 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 doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Do not collect stool samples during or until three days after your menstrual period or if you have bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in your urine.
Because chemicals may affect the test, remove toilet bowl cleaners from the toilet tank and flush twice before collecting a stool sample.

Missed Dose

This test is usually done using 3 consecutive or closely spaced bowel movements.
This increases the accuracy of the test since bleeding can be sporadic.
If you miss collecting a bowel movement, try to collect and test the next one.
If you miss more than two days in a row, contact your doctor for further instructions.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor 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 and during the test period.
Use acetaminophen if necessary.
Be aware that cough-and-cold and other combination medications may contain aspirin or anti-infammatory agents.
Large doses of Vitamin C (above 250mg) can affect the results of this test.
Avoid Vitamin C supplements for 3 days prior to the test and watch your dietary intake of vitamin C as well (citrus fruits, juices).
If you take an iron supplement, check to see if it contains vitamin C.
The following foods may also affect the test results.
Avoid them for 3 days prior and during the test period: Red meat, liver, processed meats, raw fruits and vegetables especially melon, turnip, radishes and horseradish.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.