- Strict adherence to a special diet is crucial for reliable results.
- Patients should be instructed to eat a well-balanced diet including fiber such as bran cereals, fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid for three days before and during the stool collection:
- Red meats (beef, lamb and liver)
- Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg. a day from supplements, citrus fruits and juices.
- High peroxidase containing fruits and vegetables including turnips, horse radish, radish, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- Avoid oral iron supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin or aspirin (>325 mg/day) for 7 days before and during the stool collection period.
- Acetaminophen can be taken as needed.
- 3 samples on 3 different days may be needed to increase the sensitivity of the test since blood passage in the stool may be intermittent.
- Submit the representative portion of the stool for testing.
- Mention clearly if the patient has any bleeding hemorrhoids.
