Why might I need this test?
Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and early detection is vital. The sooner
it is detected, the greater are the chances of successful treatment. If it is treated at an early stage,
the survival rate exceeds 90%.
95% of cases of colon cancer develop from polyps, which are benign tumours growing inside the
colon. Typically, they do not cause any pain, and often remain undetected for many years before
becoming malignant. At this stage, the hidden early stages of colon cancer can be detected by
a simple test for blood in the stool. The test enables you to increase your chances of early
detection and thereby reduce your risk considerably.
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What does this test involve?
This test can be performed without any dietary restrictions and can be performed quickly, results are obtained within a couple of minutes.
There is one test included. For more information on how to carry out this test click here. |
| Code: BWL |
Price: UK£ 11.95 |
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When should I test?
Above the age of 40, if not sooner, everyone should perform an annual test for blood in the stool.
It may be better to start testing before reaching 40 if for example, there is a history of colon
cancer or polyps in your family. The test serves to identify blood in the stool which is not yet visible.
Colon polyps bleed occasionally, and colon cancer will reveal blood at a very early stage. If,
when performing this test, you detect blood in your stool, you should see your doctor in order for
the medical reasons to be identified. What makes this test unique is that you do not need to
restrict your eating habits in any way in order to perform it, and it can be conducted simply and
easily at any time of day, giving you a result within just a few minutes.
How high are my chances of developing colon cancer?
The cause of colon cancer is largely unknown. However, a yearly faecal occult (blood in the stool) test is recommended from the age of 40. If colon polyps have been diagnosed in parents or siblings this test should be performed at an earlier age, and at shorter intervals. Remember, if you are experiencing any symptoms that you are worried about, you should consult your doctor for help and advice. For more information on colon cancer and symptoms associated with it click here.
How does this test work?
Please note:
- Do not allow your stool sample to come into contact with water in the toilet.
- Women only: The test must not be performed during or for up to 3 days after your period.
Contents of Package
Sample container with buffer solution and collection stick, sealed foil pack with test cassette and
desiccant, and instructions
Materials required but not provided
Watch with a second hand and a clean paper tissue
Instructions for use
Preparation
Initially place the foil pack to one side unopened, since you will not need it until later. Have a
watch with a second hand ready, as well as a clean paper tissue.
Take the sample container out of the test pack and familiarise yourself with the components.
Sample container
Carefully unscrew the purple cap with its attached test stick
from the sample container.
Note: Avoid skin contact with the contents of the
sample container (the buffer solution) and make sure you
do not spill any of it as the solution is essential for performing
the test. Handle the sample container very carefully, since it
can easily fall over.
Taking a stool sample
Now, in a single procedure, using the test stick, take 3-
6 samples from different areas of your stool (as shown
in the illustration). All you need to do is insert the stick
vertically into the stool, since it will automatically
retain the correct amount of sample.
Having taken stool samples in this way from several
different areas, place the test stick back in the sample
container and screw the cap back on carefully.
Shake the container well so as to thoroughly mix the
contents.
Preparation of the test cassette
First tear open the sealed foil pack where indicated at the notch, take out the orange test
cassette and place it on a dry, even surface. The desiccant (a small white pouch) should be
discarded unopened with your regular household waste.
Testing the sample
As shown in the illustration below, cover the cap of the sample
container with a paper tissue in order to avoid any splashing.
Hold the sample container upright and exert pressure to
break off the dropper tip.
As shown in illustration below, place two drops of the buffer
solution onto test field "S" of the test cassette. Note: It is
essential to ensure that no liquid falls onto the result window.
Now wait five minutes, or until the background in the result
window turns white again.
The test is now ready to read.
Evaluating test results
Positive result
The test is positive if, within the reaction time of five minutes, two purple lines appear in the result window
of the test cassette at both "C" and "T", even if the line shown at "T" is very faint. This means that blood
has been detected in your stool. You should visit your doctor and ask for a more detailed medical examination
to be undertaken.
Negative result
The test is negative if only one purple line appears in the result window at "C". This means that no blood
was detected in your stool sample.
Invalid test
The test is invalid if, after 5-10 minutes, no purple line appears at all. Reasons for an invalid test result
include a damaged foil pouch, improper storage, or a mistake when performing the test. Please keep
all test components and contact the manufacturer of the test.
Note: After 15 minutes, the test results can no longer be interpreted reliably. Please therefore discard the
test cassette once you have assessed your test result.
What should I do if the test result is positive?
Discuss the result with your doctor. Besides colon polyps and colon cancer, several other conditions
may produce a positive test result. Inflammatory bowel conditions, haemorrhoids or changes in
the digestive tract are some of the possible causes, and must be taken into consideration by your
doctor. It might be helpful to take these instructions with you to show your doctor, so you can give
him or her a better idea of the type of test carried out.
What should I do if the test result is negative?
A negative result does not entirely exclude the possibility of a bowel condition, since some colon
tumours only bleed intermittently. Around 25% of tumours do not bleed constantly. For this reason,
it is important to test yourself or arrange to be tested annually from age 40 at the latest in order to
keep your risk as low as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always consult your doctor before making any important medical decisions.
Production information:
Alcohol and a number of medicines such as acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin), glucocorticoids,
non-steroidal antiphlogistic / anti-rheumatic agents or cumarin derivates may cause gastrointestinal
bleeding (and therefore avoidable, positive results). Please consult your doctor before performing
the test if you are taking such medication. Haemorrhoids or blood in the urine may also produce a
positive test result.
This test is an immunological test for identifying blood in the stool, which works by detecting human
haemoglobin (hHB).
Test components of animal origin (such as antibodies) are potentially infectious material, but present
no risk to health provided that all test components are used in accordance with the instructions.
The buffer solution contains harmless concentrations of sodium azide.
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Related Subjects :
Colon cancer
Haemorrhoids/piles
Peptic ulcers
Polyps |
