Shelf Life of FOBT Specimen

[kaneohe]

I sent a FOBT specimen back to my clinic's lab. (For those of delicate sensibilities, I decided that if you didn't know what FOBT meant, you probably didn't know the answer......but beware of what they say about curious cats).
When the lab results were not posted on my online account, I called to see if they had received it. They had not, claimed it was not them, and therefore to wait a bit longer for the USPS to deliver.

Eventually, I got them to send me another kit, and sent #2 specimen in.
Shortly thereafter, the results for #1 specimen were posted but since there was quite a long time between collection and analysis, I am wondering about the validity of the test. My doubt comes both from comments that they made and also from the fact that you are requested to put the collection date on the specimen. Just to clarify.......this is the newer kit where there are no dietary restriction and where you collect the sample on a threaded plastic rod that is then inserted into a clear liquid (alcohol?) for shipping. If there is a shelf life, I imagine it might depend on environmental conditions. If they lost it in handling/processing within the lab (which they initially denied), it would be one thing. If the specimen sat in a locked USPS truck in the sun, it would be another. Admittedly, this is not summer, but this is not snow country either.

[Moemg]

I would think if there was any chance it was not accurate they would just scrap it and ask for another specimen . I worked in an Endoscopy clinic for a few years and people would bring in the old type FOBT specimens which were just the specimen on a card that had been sitting in their car or house for a few days and amazingly they were accurate so I guess that specimen has a long shelf life .I'm sure the liquid in the new ones are probably a preservative that extends the viability of the specimen .

[calmloki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moemg I would think if there was any chance it was not accurate they would just scrap it and ask for another specimen . I worked in an Endoscopy clinic for a few years and people would bring in the old type FOBT specimens which were just the specimen on a card that had been sitting in their car or house for a few days and amazingly they were accurate so I guess that specimen has a long shelf life .I'm sure the liquid in the new ones are probably a preservative that extends the viability of the specimen .

Ah - those paint by number art kits. The new one shot kits don't really allow for much artistic expression, but are sure easier. OP, strange coincidence, just got my results last night - had done the test and was going to hand carry, but forgot - it sat for a couple weeks at least, so hopefully Moemg is correct - bet she is.