Test Code 317 Occult Blood, Gastric
Additional Codes
ALAB: GASTCULT
PowerChart: Occult Blood Gastric Fluid
Test Method
Oxidation, Gastroccult; Beckman
Specimen Requirement
0.5 mL gastric aspirate is required.
Additional Specimen Collection Information
Collect a gastric aspirate specimen by nasogastric intubation or vomitus in a sterile container. Label the specimen appropriately with two identifiers, patient name and another identifier, (patient ID number, DOB, etc.) include specimen source, date and time of collection. Transport the specimen to the laboratory immediately upon collection.
Performance
Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.
Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.
Reference Values
Occult Blood: Negative
pH: 1.0 - 4.0
(Expected value in normal subjects afer 12 hour fast and in absence of smoking or chewing gum.)
CPT Code Information
82274 Chemistry: Occult Blood, by fecal hemoglobin determination by immunoassay, qualitative, feces, 1-3 simultaneous determinations.
Useful For
Screening for gastrointestinal bleeding
LOINC Code Information
24337-8 Hemoglobin.Gastrointestinal [Presence] In Gastric Fluid