Stool guaiac test
What Is a Stool Guaiac Test?
A stool guaiac test is a type of diagnostic test used to detect occult (hidden) blood in the stool. It is not a confirmatory test, which means that it cannot differentiate between blood from a possible disease or innocent bloody stools. As such, positive results from the test may require additional tests to confirm the presence of disease.
Preparation for a Stool Guaiac Test
A stool guaiac test requires no fasting before the sample collection. Neither dietary restrictions nor medications should interfere with the accuracy of the test. Instructions for the test may include:
- Stop the use of medications that could interfere with the accuracy of the test, such as aspirin, for at least three days before the test.
- The stool should not be combined with urine or toilet tissue.
- Collect the sample in a sterile container that is provided by the doctor.
- Label the container with the patient's name and date.
- Bring the sample to the doctor's office without delay, within one hour is best.
Procedure for a Stool Guaiac Test
The procedure for a stool guaiac test is relatively simple. It involves:
- Collecting a stool sample
- Adding chemical reagents to the sample
- Dipping a testing strip into the reagents
- Checking the strip for a positive result
Types of Stool Guaiac Test
There are two types of stool guaiac tests that are commonly used:
- The Hemoccult® test is a slide test that can detect the presence of occult blood in stool samples.
- The G-Test® test is a dipstick test that can detect both the presence and the amount of occult blood in stool samples.
Risks of a Stool Guaiac Test
The risks associated with a stool guaiac test are minimal. The test is non-invasive, and the procedure is usually completed in minutes. There is no risk of infection with the test, and it does not require the injection of any substances.
Why Is a Stool Guaiac Test Done?
A stool guaiac test is usually ordered when a patient has persistent symptoms of digestive discomfort. Symptoms that commonly result in a stool guaiac test include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody stools
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
The test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments for digestive conditions, such as ulcerative colitis.
When Is a Stool Guaiac Test Done?
A stool guaiac test is usually ordered when a patient has persistent digestive symptoms. It may also be done as part of a routine check-up for adult patients over the age of 50. This is because the test can detect early signs of various gastrointestinal disorders.