Hemoccult Slide Test Home Instructions
What Is a Hemoccult Slide Test?
The Hemoccult Slide Test is a test that finds hidden blood in your stool. Results of this test help to screen for disorders in your intestines.
You will need to follow a special diet during testing. This will make sure that your results are accurate. Follow the diet below.
You will need to prepare slides. Instructions telling you how to do this are on the last page.
Please ask questions. If you have questions or concerns after you go home, please call the phone numbers listed on the back of this page.
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Special Diet
Foods you may NOT eat during the test: Red meats – beef, lamb and liver
Do eat: A well-balanced diet including fiber such as bran cereals, fruits, and vegetables.
Medicines you may NOT take during the test
You may continue to take medicines that do not contain the above listed medicines. If you must take aspirin, please talk to your health care provider before following this diet. |
Getting Test Results
You will receive the results of your hemoccult slide test by letter or at your follow-up visit. If this visit will not be for a while, the clinic will contact you if the test is positive.
Phone Numbers
Clinics are open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Internal Medicine -- University Station: (608) 263-7500
Internal Medicine – East Clinic: (608) 265-1200
Internal Medicine – West Clinic: (608) 265-7550
Geriatrics: (608) 263-7740
Gastroenterology (GI) Clinic: (608) 263-5117
Women’s Health Clinic – West Clinic: (608) 263-0150
Other Clinic: ____________________________
Directions for the Hemoccult Slide Test
1. Please complete the kit and return no later than 14 days after your first sample collection.
2. Protect the slides from heat, light, and chemicals (iodine, ammonia, bleach, household cleaners).
3. Follow attached diet instructions.
4. Do not collect a sample if blood is visible in your stool or urine. Call your doctor.
5. For accurate test results, collect samples from bowel movements on three different days.
6. Prepare one slide a day until all 3 slides have been made.
a. Fill in the date, time, and your name on the front cover of the slide with a ball point pen. Open the front cover.
b. Remove toilet bowl cleaners from the toilet tank and flush twice before proceeding.
c. Unfold the flushable collection tissue and float it on the surface of the water. Allow the edged to stick to the sides of the bowl. Let your stool fall onto the collection tissue. Collect the sample before it contacts the water.
d. Obtain a small stool sample on one end of the applicator.
e. Apply a thin smear inside Box A.
f. Reuse the applicator to obtain a second sample from a different part of the stool. Apply a thin smear inside Box B.
g. The collection tissue may be flushed. Do not flush the applicator stick. Discard in a wastebasket.
h. Close and secure the front flap. Store the slide in the paper envelop until the next day. Do not place the sampled slide in any moisture-proof container or in the refrigerator. It must air dry.
i. Repeat steps a – f for the next two days.
j. Let the last slide air dry overnight before mailing.
7. When all 3 slides are completed, place them in the pre-addressed foil-lined mailing pouch, seal the pouch carefully and return to the laboratory or put a first-class postage stamp on it and put it in the mail.
8. Please note: the clinic may call you if the slides are not returned.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 12/30/2009
Copyright © 12/30/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4239
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