We at Polmed Primary Care & Walk-in Clinic are well-versed in many specialties, like hemoccult testing & treatment in New Port Richey. However, not everyone knows what that is or if they need that kind of testing and care. In a nutshell, hemoccult testing detects blood in bowel movements through fecal matter. If the test is positive, it could indicate a more serious health issue within your gastrointestinal tract.
Unsure if you need hemoccult testing? Here are some symptoms that could show the need for a test to be better safe.
- Unexplained abdominal bloat or cramping
- Unusually loose or hard bowel movements, consistently
- Blood on the tissue when you wipe after using the restroom
- Iron deficiency in bloodwork
- Nausea or unexplained vomiting
- Loss of warmth or inability to get warm
How Should You Prepare for a Hemoccult Test?
To get a clean culture for the lab, you can prepare for your hemoccult test in the following ways.
- Hydrate (8 eight-ounce glasses of water) per day for three days before your test.
- Two days before your test, cut out red meats and iron-rich vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower.
- Bulk up on fiber, i.e., bananas, strawberries, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal.
- Avoid OTC painkillers, like naproxen and ibuprofen, for up to a week before your test.
How Often Do You Need a Hemoccult Test?
Before 50, you will only need a hemoccult test if your doctor recommends one. After 50, it’s important to get annual hemoccult tests to check for colon cancer. If your family has a history of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal issues, your doctor may suggest annual hemoccult testing beginning at 40.
Hemoccult testing & treatment in New Port Richey is as reliable and simple as booking an appointment with us at Polmed Primary Care & Walk-in Clinic. Blood can be in your stool for several reasons, some serious and others are not-so-serious. Call us at (727) 339-2054 to schedule an appointment.