Lab Instructions

MHP Patient Instructions for Hemoccult Kits

Special Diet: Please begin the special diet 48 hours before collecting the test specimens and follow the diet the entire test period.

Foods to eat:
Well-cooked pork, poultry and fish
Cooked fruits and vegetables
high fiber foods (whole wheat bread, bran cereal, popcorn)

Foods, drugs and vitamins to avoid:
Red meat
Raw fruits and vegetables
Vitamin C (in excess of 250 gm per day)
Aspirin or other non-steroid anti-inflammatory
(avoid for 7 day prior and test period)

Patients are encouraged to discuss any questions regarding the Special Diet with their doctors.

Items that may be included in moderate amounts: Apples, lettuce, plums, apricots,
oranges, raisins, bananas, peaches raspberries, celery, pears, strawberries, tomatoes

Sample Collection:

1. The sample may be collected from the toilet bowl with the aid of a container or toilet tissue.
2. Lift the tab on the front of the card just prior to use.
3. Apply a thin smear of fecal material to the proper area of the Hemoccult slide.
4. Label the Hemoccult slide with your name.
5. Deliver the slides to MHP Laboratory after collection of the last specimen. Prepared slides may be stored at room temperature.

Mercy Health Partners Laboratory
Customer Service: (231) 672-6259

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