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Bowel Disorder Screening Test Instructions

In the early stages of colorectal diseases such as cancer, ulcers, polyps haemorrhoids, colitis and diverticulitis may not produce visible symptoms even though they may be producing blood later

excreted in the faeces (stool). This test can detect unseen blood in faeces and thus giving an early warning signal of bowel problems needing medical attention.

What does the test measure?

This Bowel Disorders Screening test detects the presence of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). The test is easy to use and the result can be read within a few minutes. Directions for use must be followed carefully.

Limitations/possible cross reactions

To be used as a screening test only.

This is a qualitative test only.

Presence of urine in the toilet may make reading the test difficult.

Do not take asprin-containing medicines or anti-inflammatory steroidal drugs for two days prior to starting the test (you may wish to consult your GP in this eventuality to ensure it advisable to

cease medication). If you have any doubts regarding any medication you maybe taking, consult your pharmacist or doctor.

Do not carry out the test during menstruation or if you have bleeding haemorrhoids or constipation.

Principle of the test

This test uses a flushable test tissue coated with a chromogenic dye (TMB) and peroxide. If blood is present at a level of 2mg haemoglobin/100ml or more, the haemoglobin will liberate oxygen from peroxide, which oxidizes the colourless dye to become a blue-green colour.

Follow-up action

If a positive result is produced, consult your GP to discuss any further investigations or treatment that may be required. If you have experienced difficulty completing the test or are worried about interpreting the results, consult your GP or pharmacist.

Before you do the test that your pack contains:

- 5 test tissues contained in a single foil pouch

- Record card to note the daily results obtained.

HOW TO DO THE TEST

Testing the toilet water for suitability:

Remove any disinfectants and cleaning agents present in the toilet bowel or cistern and flush toilet twice.
Remove one issue from the foil envelope, holding it by the corner. Carefully drop the tissue onto the toilet water.
If any colour develops, DO NOT USE THIS TOILET FOR TESTING. Remove disinfectants and flush the toilet several times, or use another toilet.

1. 2. 3.

Blood_Disorder_Test Blood_Disorder_Test2 Blood_Disorder_Test3

To perform the test

Testing faecal sample for presence of blood:

Urinate and flush the toilet before beginning the test.
Empty bowels into toilet.
Drop one test tissue on top of the water and observe for two minutes. (See diagram 1, 2 & 3).
If a blue-green colour develops in the test area, it means blood is present. Record this result on the result card. This does not necessarily mean that you have a serious condition, but you should consult your doctor
If no colour develops, it means that no detectable blood was in the sample. Record that result on the card. Flush the tissue down the toilet.
Repeat the above test procedure for two more bowel movements.

Ensure that you keep the remaining tissues in their foil pouch at room temperature away from direct sunlight until required. One spare tissue is included. Use within 3 days.

Reading the result

If a blue-green colour develops in the test area, this means that blood has been detected in your specimen; this is a positive result If no colour develops in the test area, then no blood was detectable in your specimen; this is a negative result. You may need help to read the test if you are visually impared or colour blind.

Precautions

If any of the contents are missing, do not continue. Instead put everything back into the box and return it to your the place of purchase for a replacement.
Check the expiry date on the side of the pack. The test should not be used after the expiry date. If you have just bought the test, and the expiry date has passed, please return the test to the place of purchase for replacement.
If the seals were broken before you opened this pack, the test should not be used. If the pack seals were broken, please return the test to the place of purchase for a replacement.
Do not use the test if the foil pouch is damaged or split.
Dispose of all materials safely.

The test will give a better result if you eat a normal diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and cereals.

THE TEST IS FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY - DO NOT SWALLOW

Storage and stability

The test kit should be stored at room temperature (4-30 ° C) in the sealed pouch for duration of shelf life.

Keep away from direct sunlight, moisture and heat.

Follow-up action

When it is important to consult your doctor?

- If this test has provided a positive result.

- There is any change of bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhoea, the passage of mucus or slime that persists for more than seven days. This particularly applies to people over 35 years of age.

- You have indigestion lasting more than seven days or repeated short episodes of indigestion.

- You pass or vomit blood, no matter how little, at any time.

Active ingredients: Chromogenic dye (TMB), Peroxide.

As with all diagnostic tests, therapeutic decisions should not be based on any single result or method. In the case of unexpected results, consult your pharmacist or GP for advice on further investigations needed.

This test relies upon detection in a biological system; therefore, it is possible that it may not be 100% accurate in every case. Occasionally, the test may produce a false positive or false negative result. Accordingly, results should be treated as a guide to whether there may be a basis to seek specific advice from a doctor.