Your doctor has referred you to do a faecal occult (hidden) blood test to see if there is hidden blood in your faeces.

What do I need to do?

Please read the instructions below carefully.

Before collecting samples.

• You should not collect samples during your menstrual cycle or if you have bleeding haemorrhoids, blood in your urine, a blockage or constipation that may cause injury.
• Avoid alcohol consumption at least 2 days before the test.

Medications that may interfere with the test.

Some medications may interfere with the results of this test. These include:

• Aspirin
• Arthritis medications
• Corticosteroids

If you take one of these medications, please talk to your doctor as it is recommended you stop taking these medications at least 2 days before doing the test.

Diet

There are no special dietary requirements for this test.

What you need to do

If you have not been given three sterile faeces containers from your doctor, you can pick some up for free from any ACT Pathology Collection Centre (see list below). Do not use any other containers other than the ones issued by your doctor or pathology. If the containers are broken or if you have accidentally touched the inside surface, please ask for new ones.

• Please make sure that each container is clearly labelled with your full name (first name and last name), date of birth, date and time of collection.
• For best results, please collect 1 faeces sample per day for 3 days in a row. This is recommended because each faeces sample can be different.

After collection

When you have collected your sample, you can either:

• Store your samples in your fridge, and once you have collected all 3 samples, return them to your doctor or to an ACT Pathology Collection Centre for testing.
• After each collection, immediately return your sample to your doctor or an ACT Pathology Collection Centre. You will have to do this for three days.

Collection centres

For further information, please contact one of the following ACT Pathology collection centres:

Canberra Hospital Building 10 Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 12:15pm. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
Canberra Hospital, Gilmore Cres, Garran (next to Centenary Hospital for Women and Children
Phone (02) 5124 2816.

Tuggeranong Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday 8:30am to 12pm. Closed on Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
Tuggeranong Health Centre Level 1, Corner Anketell & Pitman Streets, Tuggeranong
Phone (02) 5124 1352.

North Canberra Hospital Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. Closed on Sunday and public holidays.
North Canberra Hospital, 1st Floor, Marian Building, Bruce (Maternity entrance)
Phone: (02) 5124 3815.

Gungahlin Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm. Closed Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
Gungahlin Health Centre, Corner Earnest Cavanagh St & Fussell Lane, Gungahlin
Phone (02) 5124 1135.

Belconnen Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Closed on weekends and public holidays.
Belconnen Health Centre, Corner Lathlain & Cohen St, Belconnen
Phone (02) 5124 1502.

University of Canberra Hospital Collection Centre

Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.15pm. Closed on Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
University of Canberra, 20 Guraguma Street, Bruce
Phone (02) 5124 0230.

Weston Creek Collection Centre

Open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:15pm. Closed on Sunday, long weekends and public holidays.
Weston Creek Walk-in Centre, 24 Parkinson St, Weston
Phone (02) 5124 4174.