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HelpTest Code Stl OB Stool, Occult Blood
Aliases
Hemoccult; Occult Blood Stool
Useful For
Used to detect the presence of hemoglobin from blood in fecal samples. 2 mL of blood per 150 gm of stool is considered pathologically significant. This small amount of blood is not visible.
Special Collection Instructions
Collect a small amount of stool, preferred 3 consecutive bowel movements to increase probability of detecting occult blood during intermittent bleeding. Typically these should only be performed on WCH ED patients
Collection Method
Apply a thin smear of stool specimen to the left window. Obtain another stool sample from a different part of the specimen and apply a thin smear to the right window. Send to WCH laboratory for testing
Container
Hemoccult Card
Preferred Specimen
Stool – 3 consecutive specimens
Acceptable Specimens
1 stool sample
Reference or Target Ranges
Negative
Reportable Units
Pos/Neg
Critical Value
Not defined for this assay
Reasons for Rejection
| Hemolysis Threshold | N/A |
| Icterus Threshold | N/A |
| Lipemia Threshold | N/A |
| Other | No sample submitted on card, improperly labelled |
Specimen Stability
| Ambient | Store at room temps. When collected and stored as directed, samples on cards are stable for up to 14 days at room temp. |
| Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | do not refrigerate |
| 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 | WCH Heme Man |
| Methodology/Method Description | Occult Blood Cards – Beckman Coulter, Hemoccult cards and developer |
Special Handling
Room Temp
Additional Information/Important Notes
Some oral medications (aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbitazone, 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. This testing method is primarily resrvered for WCH ER. Please refer to FOBI for occult blood testing.
CPT Codes
82272