IN YOUR TEST KIT  YOU WILL FIND:

1 Test Kit instructions
1 Foil Freepost return envelope
1 Block of 6 cardboard applicators
1 Hemoccult II®BRAND 3-day Test Card
1 Bowel Cancer Information Leaflet
1 Personal Details Card.

1. PREPARING FOR THE TEST

Three days before the first sample is taken and throughout the testing period the following are recommended:

Eat a high fibre diet including wholemeal bread, wheatbran or nuts and drink plenty of fluids. This increases stool volume and helps to avoid constipation during the test period.

Avoid Vitamin C intake of more than 500mg a day. You can eat fruit and vegetables but don't take Vitamin C supplements.

Avoid drugs which may cause intestinal bleeding, e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen. Please see your doctor for advice before altering any prescribed medication.

Avoid the application of antiseptic preparations containing iodine to the anal area.

2.  COLLECTING YOUR FIRST SAMPLE AND DOING THE FIRST TEST

Take the Test Card out of the envelope and write your name on it where it is marked ‘Patient ID'.

Date the flap marked ‘Day 1 Collection Date'.

Lift open the ‘Day 1' flap.

There are 3 such flaps on the front of the Test Card for 3 separate bowel motions.  Only open one flap at a time.

Do not open the long flap on the back of the Test Card which states: PATIENT: DO NOT OPEN THIS SIDE - FOR LABORATORY USE ONLY.

Perform your bowel motion.

It is important that the sample you use on the Test Card has not fallen into the toilet water as this could affect the result.  Stool may be collected on a pad of folded toilet paper held in the hand, or by using plastic gloves, bags or other containers.

Take one cardboard applicator from the block and collect a small (pea-sized) sample of your bowel motion.  Spread it thinly over the whole of the left rectangle (‘A').  The cardboard applicator you have used should now be disposed of by dropping it into the toilet.

Using a second cardboard applicator take another small (pea-sized) sample from a different part of your bowel motion.  Spread it thinly over the whole of the right rectangle (‘B'). This cardboard applicator should also be disposed of by dropping it into the toilet.

When you have finished

Close the flap on the Test Card and tuck it under the green tab to keep it closed.

Do not leave your Test Card in bright daylight but do allow the sample to dry with the flap closed.  You may place it in a drawer or a cupboard but don't put it into the foil envelope.  Flush away any tissue, the used cardboard applicators and the bowel movement.  Dispose of any plastic gloves, bags or other containers that you may have used in an appropriate manner.

Now wash your hands.

3. COLLECTING YOUR SECOND SAMPLE AND DOING THE SECOND TEST

Date the flap marked: ‘Day 2 Collection Date'.

Lift and open the flap marked: ‘Day 2'.

Repeat the test as previously described under ‘Collecting your first sample and doing the first test', using the rectangles ‘A' and ‘B' for this second part of the test.

4. COLLECTING YOUR THIRD SAMPLE AND DOING THE THIRD TEST

Repeat the test as previously described under ‘Collecting your first sample and doing the first test'.  Use the remaining flap marked ‘Day 3' for this third part of the test.

NOTE

The samples do not need to be taken from three bowel motions in a row, but they should be taken on three different days.

5.  CHECKLIST

Ensure that you have dated all 3 flaps on the Test Card.

Ensure that you have sampled 3 different bowel movements and that you have used 2 rectangles on the Test Card for each bowel movement. When you have finished, all 6 rectangles should have been used.

Ensure that the Test Card is sent to Point Of Care Testing Ltd. within 10 days of your first sample being taken.

6.  MAILING TO POCT LTD

Place the Test Card in the foil Freepost envelope.  To ensure that we can return your results, please complete the Personal Details Card and include it with the Test Card in the foil envelope. Seal this envelope and return it to Point Of Care Testing Ltd.  The envelope is designed to meet postal regulations and is therefore safe to send in the post.  To protect postal workers please make sure that the envelope is clean.

After laboratory analysis of your test samples we will write to you with your results within  10 days.  If you have not received results within this time period please write to us at: Point Of Care Testing Ltd, Unit 5 Arbroath Business Centre, Dens Road, Arbroath DD11 1RS, or e-mail us at: info@pocl.co.uk.