From the lab: Fecal occult blood testing updated

Use new guide to choose tests

The point of care department has updated to a new guaiac test (HemaPromt) for fecal occult blood testing. Testing will be performed at the point of care and resulted by the end user using the AccuChek Inform II glucometer.

Once results are entered and the glucometer is docked, the results will automatically transmit to the patient’s chart.

For Non Point of Care testing we have updated to the Immunochemical Fecal Occult Test (FIT test) – performed in the Laboratory. The FIT test uses antibodies directed against human hemoglobin. FIT is considered a more accurate way to screen for blood and is not affected by dietary peroxidases, animal blood or ascorbic acid. Therefore, dietary restrictions are not necessary and only one specimen is required for diagnostic screening.

With this change, providers should use the following guide to choose ONE of the following tests to guide their ordering decisions for fecal occult blood testing:

HemaPromt cards offer ease of use and are FDA cleared for rectal exams. We anticipate that the majority of the guaiac tests will be performed bedside and are recommending the FIT test for non-POC testing.

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