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HEMOCCULTII (FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TEST)
 

For thirty years, the Hemoccultfecal occult blood test (FOBT) has been aiding physicians in detecting hidden blood in stool specimens as an early indication of colorectal cancer. More than 300 studies using Hemoccultproducts ­ many of which were conducted over long periods of time with large numbers of participants- have been published in leading medical journals around the world. As a result of these studies, the American Cancer Society and other healthcare and medical agencies now recommend annual FOBT screening for people age 50 and older.

PRODUCT FEATURES
  • Non-invasive, easy-to-use test is prepared in the privacy of the patient's home
  • Performance Monitorarea on each test offers built-in quality control
  • A variety of package configurations satisfies individual physician needs
  • Provides a low-cost screening alternative to frequent endoscopy
  • Used in colorectal cancer screening programs worldwide
  • CLIA waived
  • Medicare reimbursement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the dietary restrictions?

A: For seven days before and during the stool collection period avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin (more than one adult aspirin per day); 3 days prior to and during the test period, do not eat red meat (no beef, lamb or liver in any form) or take vitamin C in excess of 250 mg/day.

Q: How should this product be stored?

A: At room temperature, away from heat, light and volatile chemicals.

Q: How long is the fecal sample stable?

A: The fecal sample must be tested within 14 days of application to the slide.

Q: What is the difference between Hemoccult and Hemoccult SENSA?

A: Hemoccult SENSA is more sensitive.

Q: May I test alternate samples (gastric fluid, breast secretions, etc.) on this test?

A: No - this test has only been validated for human fecal samples. Other sample types may not give accurate results. For gastric occult blood testing - refer to our Gastroccultproduct page.

Q: Can the developers for Hemoccult and Hemoccult SENSA be interchan ged?

A: No, the chemical composition of these products is not the same.

Q: Can I interchange different lot numbers of slides & developer?

A: Yes, the components are NOT lot-specific. Use ONLY Hemoccult Developer (yellow & green striping, yellow cap) with Hemoccult slides, and ONLY Hemoccult SENSA Developer (blue & green striping, blue cap) with Hemoccult SENSA slides.

Q: What is the CPT code?

A: The CPT code is 82270 for "Fecal Occult Blood, Diagnostic", or G0107 for "Fecal Occult Blood, Screening".

Q: What is the reimbursement?

A: The 2000 National Cap is $3.50.

Q: What types of configurations are available?

A: See the Product Instructions.

Q: How do you interpret a positive test?

A: Any blue color "on" or "touching" the fecal sample is considered a positive test; Performance Monitormust function correctly for a valid test. Color interpretation charts are available from Technical Marketing.

Q: Seeing "blue" slides prior to adding developer; is this test card considered invalid?

A: "Blue" slides can be seen when storage is incorrect; review storage. However, blue slides can be interpreted as valid tests if upon adding developer, the guaiac paper around the fecal smear reverts back to white. Interpret a positive test when any blue color is seen "on" or "touching" the fecal sample; Performance Monitor must function correctly for a valid test. (Note: Do not interpret the blue ring that migrates outward as a positive test.) BLUE SLIDES SHOULD BE REPORTED TO TECHNICAL MARKETING.

Q: Is external Quality Control available/required?

A: No, the Performance Monitor is an "analyte" or "reactivity" control (derived from hemoglobin) and provides adequate QC. However, if laboratory procedures manual or local regulations require external control testing, follow those guidelines.

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HEMOCCULTis a registered trademark of Beckman Coulter