The test involves simply collecting small samples of faeces each day for three consecutive days and applying a thin smear of faeces onto a specially treated section of the test card. Once the card is dry, it is sealed and returned for professional analysis.
Rotary Doctors recommend the test should be taken each year as it is at low cost to the user, and one positive result may alert the user of the need to visit his or her General Practitioner in time to avoid life threatening consequences.
The instructions are summarised here to give an overview before a kit is purchased, and please follow the detailed instructions included in the kit.
Overview:
Do NOT use the Kit if:
- You have a recent history of bleeding with or in the stool.
- You have experienced a recent change in bowel habit.
- You have had recent persistent pain in the lower abdomen.
- Persons with any of the problems above or if in doubt, are strongly advised to consult their doctor as soon as practicable.
1. Getting Ready
- Two days prior and during the three separate motions, follow a red-meat free and high fibre diet
- It is helpful to discuss the test with others if you share meal preparation and meals, and encourage all adults over 40 in the household to do the test while the household meals follow the recommended diet.
- Diet may include well-cooked chicken, turkey and tuna but not red or raw meats.
- Lots of fruit and most vegetables except horseradish, cantaloupe, raw turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, red radish, and parsnip.
- Cereal – Bran and cereals containing bran.
- Other high fibre or roughage foods (i.e. peanuts, popcorn etc)
- However if any of these foods are known to cause discomfort, please consult your physician first.
- Avoid high doses of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 days prior to and during testing, or Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg per day.
- However consult a medical professional before discontinuing any prescribed medication.
- Do not collect specimens during menstrual period or when suffering from bleeding haemorrhoids or open cuts on hands.
2. Using the Kit
- The kit comes in a paper envelope that is also used to return the kit for professional analysis
- The test card has three Tabs marked on one side. Write your name and phone number where marked, then open and complete the registration card including the name of your usual GP or Physician.
- Remove all cleaners or deodorisers from the toilet bowel and tank for duration of the test.
After each bowel motion, and using the applicator stick provided, collect a small sample of faeces and apply a thin smear on Box A under the flap marked Tab 1. - Reuse the same applicator to take a second sample from a different part of the faeces and apply a thin smear in Box B under the same flap.
- Close the flap, wrap the applicator in toilet paper, and discard in garbage.
- Repeat the next day using Tab 2 and a new applicator,
- And repeat on day 3 using Tab 3 and the third applicator.
- Add the dates of the collections and your signature, then after the samples are dry, close the flaps ands place the card in the outer envelope, seal it and take it to a participating pharmacy for collection and testing. Please do not post it.
- Remember while this is an “awkward” experience, you are doing this in the privacy of your own home. After your first sample, you will feel comfortable with the steps involved.
Preparing for the Test
The test is simple. It just involves taking a small sample of faeces from the toilet bowl after your bowel movement, and smearing it thinly on a special card with the stick provided. However it is best to prepare ones digestive system for best results.
Medication- DO NOT cease any Prescribed Medication: Avoid more than one adult aspirin per day.
Diet Instructions:
For Three days before and during stool collection period:
- NO RED MEAT - only pork, chicken and fish are allowed.
- VITAMIN C should not exceed 250mg per day (from all sources, dietary and supplemental)
- DO NOT take supplementary tablets containing IRON.
Pathology Card attached to your Test Kit:
Your kit will not be tested if the Pathology Card has been detached from your test kit OR the Pathology Card is not signed. RESULTS cannot be forwarded unless the pathology card attached to the test kit is correctly completed.
Returning your Kit:
- Check that your name, address, signature, doctor's name and date are filled in
- Return the kit within 14 days of using, at the latest by 30 April
- If you change address before you receive the results, please contact us with your new address.
Confidentiality
A test of this nature would normally be a confidential matter between doctor and patient. Taking the test into the public arena makes confidentiality no less desirable but more difficult to achieve, however every effort is being made to maintain confidentiality.
