Diet Questions

Q: What is the diet I need to follow during testing?

A: Make sure you follow this diet for 48 hours before you collect your first stool sample. Stay on this diet until all your slides have been prepared.

1. Do not eat rare meat, turnips or horseradish. You can eat small portions of chicken or tuna.
2. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, other similar drugs. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, will not alter the test.
3. Do not take tonics or vitamin preparations which contain Vitamin C which exceeds 250 mg/day**.

** Consult with a physician before discontinuing any prescribed medication (including aspirin or vitamin supplements).

In general, you can continue a regular diet. However we suggest that you might increase the frequency of your stools by:

1. Eating moderate amounts of vegetables, both raw and cooked.
2. Eating moderate amounts of fruit, especially apples, grapes, plums and prunes.
3. Eating moderate amounts of peanuts and popcorn each day.
4. Include a serving of bran cereal in your diet.

Q: Can I eat beef and other red meats?

A: We recommend abstinence from red meats 2-3 days before the test and during the testing period.

Q: I cannot eat fiber. Does this matter?

A: Eating fiber is ideal but is not absolutely necessary.

Q: Why can’t I take Vitamin C?

A: Vitamin C in doses of 250 mg or greater produces a false negative test result. This means that the Vitamin C may give a negative result even if blood is present. The amount of Vitamin C normally consumed in fruits or juices is not significant.

Q: How long do I have to follow the diet?

A: You must follow the diet for 48 hours before collecting the first sample and continue the diet until the test is complete.

Q: Can I drink alcohol during the test?

A: We recommend that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages during the test period.

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