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 frequency limitations exist for this test in addition to diagnosis requirements. See Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) form in Special Instructions.  Click here for link to list of medically necessary diagnoses: http://www.munsonhealthcare.org/medical-necessity