Flushable reagent stool blood test
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
This is a test performed at home with disposable pads. The test detects the presence of hidden (occult) blood in the stool. The pads are available at drugstores without a prescription.
Brand names include EZ-Detect™ and ColoCARE.
Stool occult blood test - flushable home test; Fecal occult blood test - flushable home test
There is no direct handling of stool with this test. You simply note any changes on a card and then mail the results card to your physician.
Urinate if you need to, then flush the toilet before you defecate. After the bowel movement, place the chemically treated tissue pad in the toilet. Watch for a change of color on the test area of the pad (results usually appear within two minutes). Note the results on the card provided, then flush the pad away. Repeat for the next two consecutive bowel movements.
The different tests have different methods to check for water quality. Check the package for instructions.
Some drugs may interfere with this test.
Check with your health care provider regarding medication changes that may be necessary. Never discontinue or decrease any medication without consulting your health care provider.
Check package instructions for food restrictions.
This test is mainly performed for colorectal cancer screening. It may also be recommended in the evaluation of anemia (low level of red blood cells).
Abnormal results of the flushable test may indicate the same issues as the guaiac smear test:
- Colon polyps
- Colon cancer or other GI (gastrointestinal) tumors
- Esophagitis
- Gastritis
- GI trauma or bleeding from recent GI surgery
- Hemorrhoids
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Peptic ulcer
- Angiodysplasia of the GI tract
- GI infections
- Esophageal varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy
Additional non-GI related causes of positive guaiac test may include:
- Nose bleed
- Coughing up blood
Abnormal test results require follow-up with your physician.
There can be false-positive or false-negative results. These are similar as for the traditional guaiac smear tests.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
