1. Before using ColoCARE, the patient should carefully read the manufacturer's directions that are enclosed with the kit.
2. Factors that could interfere with results include:
-Medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants, indomethicin, corticosteroids, vitamin C, iron, medications used rectally, and mineral oil laxatives.
-A meal including red meat, especially rare cooked, eaten two days before testing.
-Blood in the urine.
-Bleeding caused by menstruation, constipation, or hemorrhoids.
-Agents used to clean and deodorize the toilet.
3. ColoCARE should be used to test three consecutive bowel movements.
4. To prepare for this test, the following measures must be taken:
-Do not eat red meat in large quantities for two days before using the test.
-Stop taking any vitamin C.
-Ask physician about any medications before stopping them.
-Do not use the test if bleeding is present from hemorrhoids and/or menstruation.
-All cleaning and deodorizing products should be removed from the toilet bowl.
-patient instructions See Picture
-patient envelope See Picture
-ColoCARE test pad See Picture
1. The toilet must be flushed several times to remove chemicals present prior to testing.
2. Within five minutes after the bowel movement, the test should be performed. NO TOILET PAPER SHOULD BE PUT INTO THE TOILET!
3. Remove the test pad from the package touching only the edges. Place the pad with the printed side up in the toilet. (Note: if there is any green and/or blue in any of the squares, DO NOT USE THIS TEST PAD.)
4. For a period of 30 seconds, watch the pad for any blue and/or green color in the largest square--the test area.
5. No color change is a negative test result. Any blue and/or green color in the test area is a positive result.
See Picture of Positive Result
6. The test pad may be flushed along with the bowel movement.
7. It is recomended that this be repeated for the next two consecutive bowel movements.
1. As a precaution, check to see if chemicals are present in the water that might have given a false positve result.
-Flush toilet two times.
-Put another test pad into toilet and watch the test area for 30 seconds.
-If it turns green/blue, there are chemicals in the water. If not, no chemicals were involved in the result.
2. A positive test means only that there is blood present in the stool. It does not mean that a patient has colorectal cancer. Only diagnostic testing by a physician can determine the cause of the bleeding.
3. Consider that there are other factors that can cause a false positive result such as diet and/or certain medications.
4. The patient should contact a physician for an appointment as soon as possible for diagnostic testing.
The amount of blood in the stool was insignificant. However, if any of the following signs or symptoms occur, the patient should see their physician.
1. Any diarrhea, constipation, or unexplained weight loss for a period of greater than two weeks.
2. Any visible sign of blood in the stool and/or bowel or stomach pain.