Patient Information - Faecal Occult Blood

CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET - FAECAL OCCULT BLOOD

This test is to detect small amounts of blood in stool samples (faeces) which may indicate a loss of blood from anywhere in the gut. Your Docior may have asked for this test to be done to investigate why you have low iron levels and anaemia (low haemoglobin level).

For accurate results, samples should be taken from bowel movements on three different days. If you do not have a bowel movement each day just wait for the next one.

You will be given blue topped plastic containers which have collection applicators. Please label the containers with your full name and date of birth and the date the stool sample is collected.

Do not collect samples during or until three days after a menstrual period, or while you have blood in urine or bleeding from haemorrhoids or dental work.

Collection Procedure

	Remove toilet bowl cleaners from toilet cistern and flush toilet to clear the bowl.
	For the most accurate results collect stool before contact with the toilet bowl water. Place several sheets of strong toilet paper or newspaper in the toilet before passing the stool sample.
	Using the applicator attached to the lid of the blue topped plastic container, collect a pea size stool sample.
	Write full name, date of birth and date of sample collection on container

Store the samples in a cool place and once all three samples have been collected, take them as soon as possible to the Pathology Department at Basildon, Orsett or St. Andrew's Hospital or to your GP's surgery.

If you need any more information, please the telephone the laboratory on (01268) 59 3030 or ask your Doctor.

Last edited 07/08/08