Hemoccult test (Stool for Occult Blood)

Hemoccult Test (Stool for Occult Blood) 

Purpose: 

• To determine the presence or absence of blood in the stool or vomitus. 

Policy: 

• Hemoccult tests are performed by a licensed nurse or physician as ordered by the physician. 

Equipment: 

• Gloves 

• Applicators 

• Hemoccult slide 

• Hemoccult developer 

Procedure: 

I. Preparation: 

• Obtain a stool specimen in a clean container or bedpan. 

• Put on gloves to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination. 

II. Collecting Specimen: 

• Collect a small amount of the specimen on the applicator tip. 

III. Applying Specimen: 

• Apply a thin smear of stool to the hemoccult slide. 

IV. Preparing Slide: 

• Close the flap and turn the slide over. 

• Open the flap on the other side and apply 1 drop of developer solution to each smear. 

V. Reading Results: 

• Wait 30 seconds and read the results. 

• Compare card with the positive/negative controls to determine test results. A blue ring or all blue spot is indicative of a positive test. 

VI. Discarding Materials: 

• Discard the slide and applicator properly. 

• If the test is positive, discard into a biohazardous waste container. 

Documentation: 

• Record the results of the Hemoccult test in the resident's medical record. 

• Notify the physician of the test results, especially if positive. 

• Document any relevant observations or instructions given by the physician following the test results.