When undergoing any medical test or procedure, you are given instructions from your doctor on how to prepare for the test. The Fecal Occult Blood Test, also known as the Stool Occult test, is used to screen for colon cancer in its early stages by detecting blood in the stool. For those under 50 and not regularly screened for colon cancer, the test may be ordered to detect an ulcer in an anemic patient. There are things and food you should avoid before taking the Fecal Occult test so that the results of your test can be as accurate as possible.
NSAIDS/Blood Thinners
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) should be avoided at least 3 days, but preferably 7 days before taking the Fecal Occult test. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin) should not be taken before the test. NSAIDS can cause minor bleeding in the stomach and give a false-positive result, and unnecessary follow-up procedures may be ordered. If you are on prescription blood thinners, be sure to inform your physician---do not stop taking your medication on your own.
Red Meat
The Fecal Occult test will come back positive if blood is found in the stool sample provided. As a result, red meat (steak, lamb, liver) should not be eaten for 3 to 5 days before the test. The blood found in red meat will show up in your sample. This is especially true for anyone who enjoys steaks medium, medium rare or rare. Red meat doesn't only apply to beef---you shouldn't eat any buffalo/bison, goat, venison or ostrich before a Fecal Occult test.
Citrus/Vitamin C
There are chemicals in a Fecal Occult test that are used to detect blood in the stool sample. Too much Vitamin C (more than 250 mg) will interact with the chemicals in the test and give a false-negative result---it will hide the presence of blood. Three days before testing, avoid Vitamin C supplements, citrus fruits and juice and vegetables with a high Vitamin C content including broccoli, turnips and kale. You have an excuse not to eat your brussels sprouts too because they're high in Vitamin C.
Hemorrhoids/Menstruation
If you suffer from hemorrhoids, tell your doctor so they can schedule your test when your hemorrhoids aren't flared up or bleeding. Blood from the hemorrhoids will give a false-positive and not detect whether or not there is bleeding farther up the digestive tract. Women should avoid taking the test during their menstrual period for the same reason. There may be cross contamination and a false-positive result due to menstrual blood being detected in the stool sample.
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