Hemoccult Test
The hemoccult test is done to check if you have any sign of bleeding in your
stool. You may need to give samples from 3 different bowel movements.
You will be given a kit that will have:
• An envelope
• Sticks to collect the stool samples
• 3 test cards
Follow these steps to collect the stool samples:
1. Open the envelope. Remove the 3 test cards.
2. Use a ball point pen to write your name, age and address on the front of
each of the 3 cards. Put the cards back in the envelope.
3. Just before you have a bowel movement, remove Card 1 from the
envelope and put the date on the card.
4. Open the front of Card 1 and use one of the sticks to collect a small
sample of stool. Put the sample inside Box A.
5. Use the same stick to collect a second sample from a different part of the
stool. Place this sample in Box B.
6. Close the flap over the card and throw the stick away in the trash.
7. Put the card in the envelope to store it until all 3 samples are collected.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 to collect 2 more samples for Card 2 and Card 3.
9. After all the samples are collected, return the samples to your doctor or
lab, as directed.
Special notes about this test:
• For 7 days before and during the test period, do not take aspirin or other
medicines that have aspirin in them. If your doctor has told you to take
aspirin each day, check with your doctor about stopping before this test.
• For 72 hours before and during the test period avoid:
─ More than 350 mg of Vitamin C in your diet or as supplements
─ Red meat, such as beef, lamb and liver, including processed meats
─ Raw vegetables and fruit such as melons, radishes, turnips, and
horseradish
Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
2/2006. Developed through a partnership of The Ohio State University Medical Center, Mount Carmel
Health and OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio. Available for use as a public service without copyright
restrictions at www.healthinfotranslations.com.