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HelpTest Code Gast OB Gastric Fluid, Occult Blood
Aliases
Occult Blood Gastric Fluid
Useful For
A rapid screening test designed for detecting the presence of occult blood and determing the pH of gastric aspirate or vomitus.
Patient Preparation
No special patient preparation required
Collection Method
Gastric aspirate by nasogastric intubation or vomitus collected in a sterile container
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Sterile Cup
Preferred Specimen
Gastric aspirate by nasogastric intubation or vomitus collected in a sterile container
Acceptable Specimens
Gastric aspirate by nasogastric intubation or vomitus collected in a sterile container
Reference or Target Ranges
Negative
Reportable Units
- Positive/Negative
- pH result
Critical Value
Not defined for this assay
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold | N/A |
| Icterus Threshold | N/A |
| Lipemia Threshold | N/A |
| Other | QNS, improperly labeled, improper container |
Specimen Stability
| Ambient | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | 5 days |
| Frozen(-70°C to 0°C) | N/A |
Performance Information
| Days and Time Performed | 24/7 |
| Expected Turn Around Time | Routine: Within 4 hours of arrival in lab |
| Stat Availabilty | No |
| Performing Bench | UH UA, WCH UA |
| Methodology/Method Description | Gastroccult Cards and Developer – This test kit is impregnated with guaiac resin, When the developing solution of hydrogen peroxide with denatured alcohol is added to guaiac in the presence of hemoglobin the hemoglobin catalyzes the oxidation of guaiac to a blue color. |
Additional Information/Important Notes
Sources of Error
- Some oral medications (aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, corticosteroids, reserpine, etc.) can cause an irritation and occult bleeding in some patients. If possible, these substances should be discontinued two days prior to and during testing.
- As with any occult blood procedure, “Hemoccult or Gastroccult” cannot be considered conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of gastrointestinal bleeding or pathology. This is designed to be a preliminary screening as an aid to diagnosis and is not intended to replace other diagnostic procedures.
CPT Codes
82271