Understanding Hemoccult Tests: What to Expect & Why They're Important

When you visit your doctor, it is possible that you will be asked to collect a fecal sample for diagnostic testing. If this occurs, it is likely your doctor has ordered a hemoccult test of your feces.

Identification

• Hemoccult is a brand name testing solution for the fecal occult blood test. The purpose of the test is to find blood in stool samples.

Function

• When Hemoccult is added to your stool sample, the solution will turn blue in the presence of blood.

Use

• Blood hidden in stool is a common early sign of colorectal cancer, and the American Cancer Society recommends that a fecal occult blood test like Hemoccult be performed annually for people over the age of 50. In addition, the presence of blood in stools is also a sign of other health conditions like Crohn's disease, intestinal ischemia, peptic ulcers and colitis, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Benefits

• Hemoccult tests are less invasive and unpleasant than endoscopy or other tests used to screen for colorectal cancer, reports the makers of Hemoccult.

Considerations

• For the week before you collect your Hemoccult test sample, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. You should also avoid red meat and avoid taking more than 250mg of vitamin C per day for the three days prior to specimen collection.