Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation

Outpatients should be instructed to follow the Special Diagnostic Diet (if possible) for 48 hours before collecting the specimens.

1. Avoid ingestion of:

    A. Red meat (beef, lamb), including processed meats and liver.

    B. Raw fruits and vegetables, especially melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish.

    C. Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg per day.

    D. Iron supplements.

    E. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (avoid for 7 days prior to and during test period).

2. Foods that may be eaten:

    A. Well-cooked pork, poultry and fish.

    B. Any cooked fruits and vegetables.

    C. High fiber foods (whole wheat bread, bran cereal, popcorn).

Specimen Collection

Prepare 2 thin smears on 1 card from each of 3 different bowel movements. Send the card in immediately when the third specimen has been collected.

Note: Medicare diagnsos limitations exist for this test. See Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) form in Special Instructions.  Click here for list of medically necessary diagnoses: http://www.munsonhealthcare.org/medical-necessity