Question

The patient had a positive Hemoccult test. Which of the following could affect the test result? (Select all that apply.)

A) Povidone-iodine
B) Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
C) Beer or wine
D) Antibiotics
E) Diets rich in carbohydrates

Answer 1

The Hemoccult test can be affected by several factors, including povidone-iodine, ascorbic acid, beer or wine, antibiotics, and diets rich in carbohydrates.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Hemoccult test is used to detect the presence of blood in the stool. Several factors can affect the test result:

1. Povidone-iodine: Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic that may interfere with the test and produce false-positive results.
2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): Taking high doses of ascorbic acid can also lead to a false-positive result.
3. Beer or wine: Alcohol consumption can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to a positive test result.
4. Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can cause a false-positive result.
5. Diets rich in carbohydrates: Consuming a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to false-positive results as well.

Answer 2

Povidone-iodine and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can affect the Hemoccult test result by causing false positives and false negatives, respectively (option A and B). Additionally, alcohol may lead to false positives due to gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding, and antibiotics can have a similar effect. Diets rich in carbohydrates generally do not affect the test result.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Hemoccult test is a fecal occult blood test used to detect hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate various gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding. The accuracy of the test result can be affected by different substances. Specifically, the following items can impact the outcome of the test:

• Povidone-iodine can lead to false positives because it contains iodine, which may oxidize the hemoglobin in the blood.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can lead to false negatives because it can reduce the sensitivity of the test by preventing the oxidation of guaiac, the substance used in the test to detect the presence of blood.
• Consumption of alcohol, such as beer or wine, can lead to false positives, likely due to the enhancement of gastrointestinal bleeding or irritation.
• Taking antibiotics can lead to false-positive results due to their potential ability to cause gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding as a side effect.
• Consuming diets rich in carbohydrates does not typically affect the Hemoccult test result.

Hence, the answer is option A and B.