April 21st, 2011
Dear Client,
To increase the quality of occult blood testing for our patients
we have updated our testing option for Occult Blood, Fecal.
The new test is Fecal Occult Blood-Immunochem; test code 10317.
This immunochemical test provides several advantages over the
Guaiac method including greater specificity and
sensitivity for human hemoglobin, ease of collection,
reduction in the number of samples needed (only one
required), and no dietary or medicine restrictions.
Due to significant improvement over the current guaiac method,
as of May 1st, 2011 we will no longer offer Occult
Blood, Fecal by guaiac methodology; test code 201. Any specimen
received on a card or sterile container will be rejected. All
specimens for occult blood testing must be collected in the
specific collection container provided and according to collection
instructions for the updated test FOB-I; 10317. The
container will be forwarded to our main laboratory where the result
will be determined by our OC-Auto 80 analyzer, removing
subjectivity from the analysis.
Handling/Draw Instructions:
SAMPLE CONTAINERS ARE PROVIDED BY GAMMA HEALTHCARE.
USING SAMPLING PROBE SCRAPE THE SURFACE OF THE FECAL SAMPLE. COVER
THE GROOVED PORTION OF THE PROBE COMPLETELY. CLOSE THE
SAMPLING BOTTLE BY INSERTING THE SAMPLING PROBE AND SNAP CAP
TIGHTLY. DO NOT REOPEN. ONLY ONE SAMPLE DESIRED; SERIES
OF THREE NOT NECESSARY.
Specimen Requirements:
TRANSPORT: COLLECTION VIAL TO GAMMA HEALTHCARE.
REMARKS: STOOL SHOULD BE PUT INTO COLLECTION DEVICE
IMMEDIATELY AFTER COLLECTION.
Specimen Retention:
STABILITY: STOOL WITHIN THE COLLECTION DEVICE:
AMBIENT: 15 DAYS; REFRIGERATED: 30 DAYS.
If you are interested in purchasing FOB guaiac kits for your own
use they are available from supply at $32.25 per 50 cards with
developer or $64.50 per 100 cards with developer.