Customer FAQ
Customer FAQ
Propper Manufacturing knows that fecal occult blood testing is a sensitive subject for most patients. Seracult® and Seracult® Plus was designed to be performed where the patient feels the most comfortable-in doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, or in the comfort of a patient’s home. Below are frequently asked questions patients commonly ask before undergoing occult blood testing.
Occult Blood Testing FAQ
Q: What is the sensitivity level of Seracult®?
A: Sensitivity for Seracult® is 0.38 mg of hemoglobin per 100ml of water.
Q: What is the sensitivity level of Seracult® Plus?
A: Sensitivity for Seracult® Plus is 0.32 mg of hemoglobin per 100 ml of water.
Q: What is the difference between Seracult® and Seracult® Plus?
A: Seracult® Plus is a more sensitive test than Seracult® and is intended for patients deemed at an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Q: Who should be tested for Colorectal Cancer?
A: The American Cancer Society recommends annual testing for Colorectal Cancer for persons 50 years of age and over. Clinicians may also use this test for occult blood due to other gastrointestinal bleeding.
Q: Who should be tested with Seracult® Plus?
A: Any person that has higher risk factors due to medical or family history.
Q: Is Seracult® and Seracult® Plus CLIA waved?
A: Yes, both tests are CLIA waived.
Q: What CPT codes can be used?
- Screening CPT: 82270 Blood, occult, by peroxidase activity (eg, guaiac), qualitative; feces, consecutive collected specimens with single determination, for colorectal neoplasm screening [ie, the patient was provided three cards or single triple card for consecutive collection]
- Diagnostic CPT: 82272 Blood, occult, by peroxidase activity (eg, guaiac), qualitative, feces, 1-3 simultaneous determinations, performed for other than colorectal neoplasm screening.
Q: How long can the sample remain on the collection card before test development?
A: The sample is stable for 28 days under normal conditions.
Q: Can different lot numbers of developer and slides be used together?
A: Yes, as long as the expiration dates are valid and you are not combining Seracult and Seracult Plus products.
Q: Is the collection tissue septic safe?
A: Yes, the collection tissue is septic-safe.
Q: To which address do I send the test when all samples have been applied?
A: The test should be mailed or brought back to the doctor’s office, screening program or hospital where you obtained the test. Propper does not process test samples.
Q: What storage conditions are required for the developer?
A: The developer should be stored in a dark place, away from heat and light.
Q: How is a positive result interpreted?
A: Any indication of a blue color in the test area, assuming you have a positive blue color in the control line. If using a triple slide, a blue color in any of the test areas is a positive result.
Q: If the patient applies the sample to the reverse side of the slide, is the test still valid?
A: No, the patient must be retested.
Q: Does Seracult® or Seracult® Plus contain latex or DEHP?
A: No, our Seracult® products are both latex-free & DEHP free.
Q: Does Propper consult patients on test results?
A: No. Propper’s scientists cannot consult patients due to HIPAA regulations.
Q: Are there any advantages of guaiac FOBT testing over immunoassay FOBT (iFOBT or FIT) tests?
- Guaiac testing has been in practice for over three decades and has many clinical trials to substantiate its claims.
- Most iFOBT tests use buffers to dissolve samples. Typically, a reaction starts after adding the sample to the buffer, and sensitivity decreases, especially at room temperature.
- Delivery delays & temperature fluctuations can result in false negatives.
- iFOBT is less sensitive to bleeding in the upper GI tract.
Q: Any advantages of using Seracult® and Seracult® Plus over competitors?
- Seracult® and Seracult® Plus has a more visible and intense blue color as a positive indicator.
- Seracult® has a patented enhanced formula for higher sensitivity. Only one other competitor (Beckman-Coulter) also has a higher sensitivity test.
- Seracult® and Seracult® Plus samples are mailed in a USPS-approved envelope.
Q: Do healthy people lose blood from the gastrointestinal tract?
A: Yes, the average normal blood loss ranges from .5 ml to 1.5 ml per day. Seracult® and Seracult® Plus sensitivities are above that cut-off level minimizing false positives.
If you want to learn more about how to use Seracult and Seracult Plus, please watch this video, which breaks down the task into easy-to-follow steps.